Clean 25 yd pool that wasn't too crowded. I went after work and didn't have to share with more…read morethan one person. Also, there's a very large diving well and separate kiddy pool so the lanes don't get full of aqua-joggers or families. Compared to some other local (non-university) pools, it's not quite as over-chlorinated or quite as warm, and definitely cleaner. Cheap entry by day, multiple-session card (I did the 10 entries for $40 which I think is budget-friendly) or gym membership - although I haven't checked out the gym yet. Only complaint is limited hours of lap availability and no AM lap swim during the winter session.

I am trying out several different masters swim programs in the Boston area and this is my second…read moreone I've tried. (See my other review for Quincy masters). So, I have to say, this one is just okay. You get a decent workout, but it's not HARD. And the reason why is not because of the workout itself, but it's because there are no SEND OFF times. Basically, the workout is, you do X amount of sets, but resting wise, you just do 10 or 20 second rests after each set. And so personally I'm not motivated to swim faster because I'm not trying to do anything on a specific time constraint. I find myself a little less focused to go faster without sendoffs. Also, the workout is pretty much the same each time- you start with a warmup, then 2 underwaters, and then the main set, and then an IM set, and the same kind of sprints where you try and do each 25 with zero breath or one, or whatever it is. It's not a bad workout, but I'm incredibly bored because I know it's the same each time. The main set changes each time, of course, but the sameness of structure makes it kinda boring. We get a decent amount of yardage in- anywhere between 2400-3200 per hour and 15 minute workout time. Practices are twice a week. As for the coach, Elyssa, she is a lovely woman. However, she doesn't quite have the enthusiasm I'm personally looking for. I want somebody to yell at me and give me critique. However, in her defense, she does have to coach 6 lanes of people so I understand it's not easy to give personal attention, so I don't blame her. But personality wise, I like a little more spunk in my coach. But everyone is there for different reasons so it's hard for a coach to be everything. The one thing that really bugs me is the staff that works there at the front desk- they are SO unfriendly, rude, impatient and clearly underpaid. They are CRANKY and they are the first people I see when I walk into that building so it makes me want to not be there. The pool is about a 10 minute walk to Harvard T stop (cut off across Harvard campus will save you ample time), so it's not terrible in terms of location. Oh, the pool itself really sucks. First of all, there are bulk heads that's separating the different sections of the pool so there's nothing to GRAB onto when you're doing two hand touches; it's completely awkward and irritating. Imagine finishing and doing two hand touches on a wall. Also, when you get into the pool, they have these blocks that are covered by orange covers that sorta get in the way and make it hard for you to get in- not to mention it is IMPOSSIBLE to get out because of the depth. You have to swim to the ladder to get out of the pool, because there is no way you can get out from the pool otherwise. It's kinda ridiculous. Cost wise, it's $105 for 20 sessions, so that's $5.25 per session, which is pretty cheap. I've looked into many other programs and this is probably the cheapest one. So pros: -Pretty good location if you're in Cambridge -Decent yardage of workout -Nice coach -Inexpensive Cons: -Sucky pool -Unfriendly front desk staff -No real send off times, just go at your own pace (which can be a pro if that's what you are looking for) - A bit dull (atmosphere, people, some of the workouts) If you are in Cambridge and are looking for twice a week workout for fitness, this is probably a good option for you.

This is a very beautiful pool. I wish it were available more often, but the building is, after…read moreall, a public school. It's worth adjusting one's schedule for at least one or two visits, especially during summer heat waves. The showers offered privacy, but -- during my visits during heat waves -- no hot water. The Cambridge YMCA on Mass Ave. also offers cold showers only. My issue is with another post here that the pool at Somerville YMCA on Highland Street is inferior. I've been swimming there since the 1980s. Compared to many local pools, it's Buckingham Palace. The building dates back to 1904, which is an automatic turn-off for many people, even though Somerville YMCA is kept clean & orderly and offers everything you need to stay fit and toned. I love the beautiful old tiles that line the pool room walls and the peaceful atmosphere for lap swimming without someone else's music blasting away -- as at the MIT pool, to "keep the lifeguards awake." If the windows were unsealed to admit natural light, it would be perfect. To swim a mile, you must do 44 laps. Some experienced swimmers find this confining, but it's just right for beginning/moderate swimmers. The showers are excellent; for a little extra money, there's the women's and men's health club rooms, which offer secure lockers, curtained private showers, towels, and a small gym with plenty of equipment. Ginny Smith offers kick boards, but not fins. You must carry in all your gear and take it with you when you leave. The separate shallow pool is a perfect place to do shallow-water aquatics or physical therapy workouts. Lifeguards friendly & helpful. Desk staff -- during my few visits -- seemed inexperienced and inadequately trained. Perhaps there's too much staff turnover: my guess. A must-visit pool.

I actually had a very pleasant swim during the senior lap swim session. The pool was a nice…read moretemperature and not too crowded. When I went to take a shower post swim, I discovered that many of the showers don't work. With the help of other patrons, I found one that was OK. Kind of a bummer that most don't work. On the way out, I met the director of the pool and mentioned the showers. She was the snippiest and rudest admin person I've come across in a long time. Full of herself and with a big time attitude ... "I'm not a plumber!" she told me. Oh my gosh - who hired her?! Not a person you would want representing such an important and promising facility.

BU's Track & Tennis Center is more than an athletic facility. The various functional setups…read morethroughout this facility, accommodated hundreds of guests for graduation ceremonies...hence my visit, congratulations Class of 2018! Although the normal amenities such as the Ticket Office, Guest Services, Concessions, & Locker Rooms were not accessible, the Restrooms & Vending machines were. The hospitality staff of mostly students extended 5 star assistance.

This is where my Masters graduation was held. Great venue for the occasion :)…read more "If a lion fails to hunt the antelope it doesn't give up, get drunk... the lion will get back up and hunt another antelope"

Swings, basketball and a brand new, rage cage jungle gym for, yknow, climbing and falling and…read morebruising and scraping and other things there's no app for. Open til 10p for the late night tykes. The park is functional (rims aren't bent, no jagged plastic to shred legs in the spiral slide), central to Davis Square and it sports a dead fountain that never spouts reclaimed water, even on the steamiest days. To my understanding, it's currently under renovations, so maybe that'll change? Bueller? It's not the quietest of locations, and dog owners stay away (no pups, strictly enforced), but for the baller, shot caller or 40 inch toddler - this playplace is A-OK!

2015 Renovated playground, basketball and public plaza with a fountain that has twinkly lights in…read morethe evening. There's also a fitness area with chin up bars. In the summer, there are movable tables and chairs in the plaza. Pretty sweet for all ages.

Actual name to use when looking up hours: Veterans Memorial Pool…read more For the convenient location in Cambridge, I was surprised that the pool wasn't at all crowded when visiting on Sunday afternoons this summer! There aren't very shallow areas for the toddlers like there are at some of the other DCR pools, such as Connors Memorial Pool in Waltham, which probably helps to keep the crowds down. But the pool is very spacious and has enough space both for lap swimmers and kids playing. The spray deck just outside is great for the younger kids, too.

I had a previous review on here stating that the pool had no shade on the decks and the changing…read morerooms did not have privacy walls. It's a year later and they've done extensive updates to the pool location. 1. There's now an ADA regulation ramp with rails going into the pool for those in wheelchairs or who have trouble walking. 2. They added easier steps and hand rails for children and families to enter at the opposite end (long stairs that slope gently instead of ladder style.) 3. They have added permanent shade awnings around the pool, along with wooden benches underneath them (definitely still try to come early because those get snapped up quickly.) 4. The changing rooms are the same, but entering the locker rooms, there is now almost a rubberized "curtain" of small strips to walk through that creates privacy. Previously anyone walking by in the main corridor could see directly in. 5. The splash pad/fountain area has awnings and benches around it, and is ADA accessible. As of summer of 2023, the pool is open 7 days a week from 11:15AM-6:00PM. The changes have greatly improved the property, and it's a place where you can come and stay all day instead of roasting on hot concrete. They also have water fountains and outdoor showers along the pool deck for getting a quick drink and rinsing off.

Lovely swimming pool, had so many fun afternoons at this pool. Beautiful because it's on the waterread more

For a free, public pool, this place is great. Bring your own towels/ chairs and plop yourself down…read moreanywhere around the pool. I found the water to be very clean and the area to be sanitary; however, I did not check the restrooms. They do not allow food, but there are picnic tables inside the attached building for eating. All ages there - young to old and everywhere in between! Pool depths range from 4-5 feet. Most people are wading, but I saw one person swim laps. There are no lap lanes.

This is an awesome community pool for city folk to cool off at. It's a pretty long drive to the…read morebeach from this corner of Somerville, so it's great to have somewhere closer to pop in on a hot summer day. Entry is $2 for adults, or you can pay $40 for a season pass. The parking lot is small, but there's additional parking at Dilboy stadium a short walk away. No food or drink allowed (besides water of course) which is a bummer, but makes sense for health and cleanliness issues. A few other reviewers thought the pool was dirty, but I haven't found that to be true. The locker rooms/bathrooms are a little rough, but it's an old community pool, what do you expect? It's pretty packed with kids so this is not the place to come for peace and quiet. Regardless, this will be a regular haunt of mine this summer for sure!

I've lived so close to this pool for so many years and didn't find out about it until this summer…read more Oh the sweet relief of cool refreshing water that I've been missing all my Somervillian life! Dilboy pool is a really great way to beat the summer heat while having a cheap day out in the sun close to home. You can get their via public transportation by taking the 80, 87, or 88 bus, or drive to the pool and park in the lot in the back. The nice thing about this pool is that it is really big and not to full either. Mostly families visit, and they have a shallow wading pool for the tiny kiddies if you have any in tow. With 5 life guards on duty, and the deep end reaching 4 ft. 8 inches, you can feel safe in just about any inch of the pool. They also have a male and female dressing room equipped with toilets, showers, and dressing cubicles, so you can change on site if you prefer. A few changes to keep in mind that we heard from some of the regulars and confirmed with a lifeguard: 1) Chairs are no longer allowed at the pool, so bring a towel and be prepared to plop yourself down on the concrete. 2) They are now charging a $2 entrance fee if you go to the pool between 11 am and 1 pm. After this peak time it is free. 3) This isn't really a change, but something to be aware of if you are visiting for the first time with lots of people. The entrance to the pool is through the dressing rooms, which means your party will be briefly separated until you are on the pool side. Happy Swimming!

Being a local I know all about Trum Field. You got softball, baseball, basketball and soccer (I…read morethink). All ages and all levels. The renovations gave us a beautiful pavilion and well kept much needed bathrooms. 4th of July celebrations occur on the Thursday before the 4th. The police shut down that section of Broadway to all cars and the area gets packed with people. They have street vendors selling balloons and glow sticks, fried dough, pizza and other normal fair food. All leading up to what I believe is a great fireworks show in the Ville. Added bonus- it's like a mini reunion seeing so many people that I grew up with...

Capt. K and I visited the Trum Field Playground after hearing they had water sprinkler that had…read morebeen turned on during Memorial Day weekend. The playground is small. A single climbing structure sitting on a woodchip area. It's in good condition and seems to have been built/installed very recently. There are 2 toddler swings, 2 big kid swings. The highlight was definitely the sprinkler. It basically involves a push button that activates a sprinkler set in the ground that shoots straight up. The sprinkler consists of 5 mini-steams, so its good if your kid wants to put his/her hand in it. The other nice thing is that the sprinkler area is fairly well shaded, so I could see it being good for really hot days. My biggest complaint of the park is the surrounding area. It feels like an industrial area with the Somerville City Offices right next to it. There's a busy street next to the park that is trafficked by many large trucks. Also the train tracks are right next to the sprinkler area, which can be awesome if your kid is into trains (which thankfully Capt. K is) or kind of scary if they're not into loud noises. So to summarize, it's a serviceable park with a sprinkler located in an area that isn't aesthetically pleasing. As parks with sprinklers become a necessity in the hot days of summer, I'll be adding Trum Playground to the rotation for the sake of variety. But it's not really a "destination" playground.