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.

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.

Romantic notion when you're pretty much skating on concrete?…read more The admission fee and rentals make this spot totally not worth. You're really only here for the location and that nebulous "romantic feel". The ice itself is atrocious, even though the rink (and I use that term lightly) does get a Zamboni out from time-to-time. But the ice is so uneven. You can see concrete in some spots, with how some of the ice is so thin. You'll encounter a lot of folks that cannot stay vertical on skates, it's just the reality. Don't be surprised when someone behind you suddenly grabs you in desperation to prevent themselves from falling. Plus it's super crowded here during peak times. There are so many other nearby spots of grab better and more affordable concessions, so don't fall for the ones here.

Had a great time skating there with one of my friends the other day it was quite busy which is…read morefine. Unfortunately when I went I needed my blades sharpened but the guy who could do that wasn't there, oh well next time. Went to go get a locker and u have to pay for it when u enter and it just wasn't clear and I felt like I was cutting the long line by getting a locker. Stopped and grabbed a lil snack and my friend and I both got the 50/50 and fries were good but they had the best onion ring I've ever had! If you have them I recommend bringing your own skates to save time and money but a great activity for almost any age

I have been to MIT Recreational few times this year for competitive USA Swim meets. I am a fan in…read morethe stands. I can share it's a long walk to the parking lot. Lack of on street parking plus construction across the street currently doesn't help. The elevator is sometimes working. It's always clean and a lot of spectator seating but if they are running both pools during the competition you don't get a great vantage point of the rear pool. Very spacious.

Basketball, tennis, golf tournament weekend too…read more Thanks you, Dr. Jacqueline Sacco, MD PhD

The Esplanade was a revelation, one of the highlights of my trip to Boston!…read more We took the T-red, got off Charles/MGH and it was a short walk to the Esplanade, a few miles alongside Charles Rivers with beautiful views of the river, wild life, the bridge and the city! We went on a Saturday morning, locals were walking, jogging, sitting on a bench drinking their coffee. Teams were out in the water roving, a nice visual Boston cliche that you see in movies, but I got to see for real. You can walk for miles here, till you get to the BU Bridge in parallel with the beautiful houses of Beacon Hill. Nice nature, cute bridges, birds, peaceful spots to stop by and look at the water, enjoy a book or a coffee. Nice locals offered to take our photos and we enjoyed chatted with. Beautiful sculptures, clean restrooms, lots of greenery. Great spot for a picnic also. I am sure it's pretty here at sunset. I am sure they have events here as well. My husband regrets not knowing about it. He went to Boston University and walked the BU Beach and the Bridge, but wasn't aware of this part. He would have loved to come here for peaceful walks and some reading. We didn't want to leave. A must see place in Boston!

" Definitely come " Been coming here since I was a kid . I…read moredefinitely recommend coming here . If visiting and especially if you live in Boston . Parking is very difficult. You can google how to transport by public transit. Or google a parking lot but it will be pricey.

A really nice walking/running path in Boston. It's right next to the Boston public garden and goes…read moreall the way to Kenmore Square. There's lots of statues, monuments, and sitting areas along the path. Like a lot of the other parks in Boston there are a ton of interesting things to see here. I didn't see commonwealth ave mall on any sightseeing list "Must do's" when I looked up Boston attractions, but in you're in the area to check out Boston Commons or the Public Garden this Ave Mall is worth taking a stroll on also.

Beautiful long stretch of green space that runs through Boston on Commonwealth Avenue. They have a…read morelighting ceremony in the winter. You can go all the way down to the Boston Gardens through this park. See the brownstones of Boston along the way.

Five stars for Kids Corner, three to four for everything else. Lots of new equipment, friendly…read morestaff, lively atmosphere and family-friendly. The building is v v old though.

Came here for the pool. They have shoe booties to cover your dirty shoes before entering the pool…read more There are two pools - one for swim lessons and laps while the smaller pool is for little kiddies and water aerobic classes? Good to see that they offer life jackets, noodles, and other floaties. Staff hand out different colored necklaces to kids depending on their swimming level (red dotted = can't swim, red = can swim a bit but can't go to deep end, yellow = can swim to deep end). Overall ok until I saw a floating bandaid in the deep end and clump of hair on the deck. Family locker room is clean. They have soap if you want to rinse. Need to scan pass in order to enter (turnstyle like paying before entering the mbta train). That's good because other locations, everyone can enter without checking IDs or memberships. Machines can use an update. I didn't use but a family member said they are old.

The Greenway is such a breath of fresh air. So crazy how the highway used to be in its place. There…read moreis quite a bit to look at while walking - pop up art pieces all along the way, beautiful trees, and even some wildlife - mostly birds and rabbits, but every now and again, I'll see a turkey. Toward the North End, there's a carousel and often there is at least one food truck - usually a sweet treat. Luke's lobster is nearby the carousel too. During the summer, they have an artisan market and even some food trucks. There aren't any bathrooms but right across the street - Atlantic, there are a few options--the Marriott at Long wharf, Boston Harbor Hotel, and the Intercontinental.

This is a lovely green space, throughout a part of downtown Boston. I came to see the jahari Ortega…read morepublic, interactive, installation art exhibit. That looks like doorknocker earrings, but it's an actual swing. It took me back to my preteen/teen years in the 90s. The "green space" itself is covered with lush grass, beautiful flowers, and trees. There are quite a few benches for you to sit and rest, enjoy a snack or lunch. I followed the Greenway all the way down to Fanueil Hall, where there was a farmer's market and a carousel. Nice way to spend an afternoon.

Great location. Always clean and there's enough room for a score of woofies to run and play…read more There's also a small separate section for the smaller ones.

You can't bring balls into the park. No toys allowed. This isn't fun for dogs. Where else can they…read moreplay off leash and play fetch? If other dogs can't handle it? They should leave.

i'm very upset. the medford tufts pool changed a rule making it more difficult for people to come…read morein. the staff on the inside were not clear on what to do, and i can't seem to understand why. tufts used to be a open friendly area for people to swim, and now it's just terrible. please fix this system because it is crappy.

I like this pool. It has 3 segments: shallow (6ft?),intermediate, and deep. The deep section is 12…read moreft. They always have 4 or 5 lifeguards around. There are no lockers only changing areas and there are 1 or 2 unusable shower stall because the drains need to be fixed. The pool area itself is large and there is a secondary therapy pool but I think it's used for kids swim classes I am not sure. Yes The non resident fee is a bit expensive but its for the summer months. There is a daily rate in of $8 nonresident or $4 resident per day if you rather not get the seasonal pass. It's worth it. The pool is closed when there are thunderstorms, and thy wait a half hour from the last thunder boom heard, because it's an outdoor pool. call ahead. The front desk staff is helpful and will give you a tour of the facilities if you request it. Make sure you go to the medfordrec website because their scheduled hours change week to week based on the swim classes and swim team that use the pool.