Cambridge council votes to keep two outdoor swimming pools open

Two outdoor public poolsoriginally slated for decommission will remain open through the summer of 2020.

The Kinsman Soper Park Pool and George Hancock Pool were to be decommissioned at a cost of $180,000 and $250,000 respectively.

"There's a fair cost to close and dismantle them. Now, over time that very well may happen, but not in the short term," Cambridge Coun.Mike Devinesaid.

He saysthere are societal impacts to closing pools like these two.

"We have to do what we can as a city and as a society to look after the youth," he said. "In July and August, it's mostly the youth that use the pools."

Devine also notedthere are long-term health benefits to providing recreation areas for youth and seniors.

It will cost $177,700 to operate the pools for the year, according to the city's 2020 budget documents.

Cambridge is currently building a new sports facility, including pools, at the south end of the city, and the hope is to keep the Soper and Hancock pools "limping along" until they are ready, Devine said.