Mom's Tip: the swim lessons at Gath Pool in Newton

By Megan Ulland
Guest Columnist

Even though the calendar says July, it’s really hard for me to be in the mood for summer. In June, we had only 7 days during which there was no rainfall. The month’s average temperature was just over 7 degrees lower than normal. According to the Boston.com weather reports, only 4 days during June were not colder than normal. And yet, as soon as school finished for the year, the Gath Pool and Crystal Lake opened their doors for summer and the kids begged to play in the water.

I don’t know if it’s a case of mind over matter or if their little bodies are working so hard running around that they are oblivious to the external cold because of their internal heat, but even on barely sunny days, my kids, teeth chattering but happy as a lark, were in the kiddie pool at the Gath Pool complex or the pool at our friend’s house, neither of which are heated.

I keep hoping that because it is July, the sun is just around the corner. It keeps trying to peek out from behind the storm clouds today. Monday my daughter starts swim lessons at the Gath Pool. I had wanted to have her take them at Crystal Lake, but you have to be 4 years old. The Gath Pool lessons are a pleasant alternative. I have two friends whose kids have just completed their first session of lessons. In the cold air and drizzle, these kids laughed, splashed and enjoyed their 30-minute lessons each morning. I can’t wait for us to join them this coming week. I just hope that the sun comes with us!

The lessons run for 30 minutes at three different time slots in the mornings, Monday through Friday for two weeks. For the younger siblings being brought to lessons, the kiddie pool is open during lessons, so they too can enjoy some water play. There are a total of four sessions during the summer and there are still spots available. The Gath Pool and Crystal Lake, both maintained by the city, are wonderful summer resources for daily excursions to swim lessons to a competitive swim team. The summer memberships are quite affordable and members have access to both the pool and lake. If your child is young enough to enjoy the kiddie pool, it is free to Newton residents. The Gath Pool complex is next to Russell J. Halloran Field & Sports Complex complete with soccer and baseball fields and basketball courts. Just down a block are the Horace Mann School and a lovely playground. Crystal Lake is accessible from the green line and walking distance to either Newton Highlands or Newton Centre villages for an ice-cream treat or lunch. Whichever of the two swimming spots seems to fit your family, I hope to see you out splashing in the water to cool off when the summer heat finally makes its way to Newton! Happy Swimming!

Megan Ulland is the mother of two toddlers who lives in Newton.