Recreation Commission defers pool fee vote, backs Community Path funding.
Recreation Commission defers Underwood Pool fee decision until January 26. The commission delayed voting on 2026 pool fees and summer operating hours after debating a proposal to close the pool August 28 due to lifeguard staffing shortages and to shorten late-summer hours to 10am-6pm. Pool
Recreation Commission · Meeting of January 12, 2026
BELMONT — Recreation Commission defers Underwood Pool fee decision until January 26. The commission delayed voting on 2026 pool fees and summer operating hours after debating a proposal to close the pool August 28 due to lifeguard staffing shortages and to shorten late-summer hours to 10am-6pm. Pool membership revenue has declined from $413,000 in summer 2022 to $341,000 in 2025.
In separate votes, the commission unanimously backed two Community Path projects totaling $250,000 for design and easement acquisition, with Vice Chair Paul Cowing abstaining on both. The commission also needs to reassess field fees after the School Committee set rates at $35 per hour for nonprofits; Belmont Soccer faces a $12,000 annual bill for 357 field hours per season.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 414 words
Source: the Recreation Commission meeting of January 12, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Members read the rest of this story and every Belmont meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this brief
Know someone in Belmont who follows town government? Share Townbrief Belmont: they can sign up free.