In 1907 a 25 acre parcel of land was sold to the city by Major John Spencer; the land once encompassed part of the Hemenway Estate on the north side of Forest River in Salem, MA. During the next ten years the Salem Park Department worked to install a football field, a baseball field, and also a salt water swimming pool which opened in 1919 to be used for the public and by the public; eventually to become a fresh water pool in 1999. So many summers for not only some children of Salem, but some adults as well, have enjoyed a refreshing dip in the pool. I used to ride my bike with my brothers from the Common area no matter how hot is was and meet our friends for a day of fun and a day of swimming. When my own children were young I spent wonderful times with them and other families at Forest River pool. Now, as a grandmother I look forward to many more summers with my grandsons cooling off as we share quality time together. Here in Salem we are blessed to have access to a community pool and also the community grounds housed near Forest River.
We are certainly, to my knowledge as a life-long resident, blessed to have averted the horrendous tragedy that just recently occurred at a community pool in Fall River, MA. A loss that is indescribable not only to the community, but to the victim's friends and family. A loss that may have been prevented because of many factors, yet a loss that may also not have occurred if there was underwater viewing aids installed in the pool. An underwater viewing aid allow lifeguards to see underwater and this type of equipment can be used for all types of swimming pools. Another prevention which is underwater remote monitoring that will document any type of event that may occur including anything questionable. Lastly, there is computer-aided drowning detection systems that monitor with computer software activities of swimmers and alerts staff if swimmers exhibit any behavior associated with drowning.
Growing up in a city with tremendous maritime history and living along the water is a treasure especially on those humid summer days when the sea breeze keeps us cool. However, having a community pool to swim in especially if you are not lucky enough to have a pool of your own is a treasure too. Life is a treasure as well and though there are cities that struggle with budget cuts due to the economy, but equipment that can aid the lifeguards that patrol the pool area and the pool is a necessity. I think the days of just calling the multiple swimmers out of the water in order to do a safety check is no longer good enough. With surveillance and monitoring everywhere in today's modern world like in the novel
1984; an important factor that just may save a future life are underwater aids. An investment of this type of equipment is just as priceless as the people it will protect. Enjoy the summer, enjoy your family and friends, and definitely jump in and enjoy that cool, refreshing summertime dip.
Read More:
http://www.wickedlocal.com/salem/news/lifestyle/columnists/x1259736582/Tammy-Callanan-Community-pool-could-benefit-from-Big-Brother#axzz1TWVvDlN2
A place of assembly existed during ancient Greek times where merchants and craftsmen sold their wares. The 'Agora' was the definition an open-air tented marketplace. In Salem our own Agora during the 1930's had collapsible stalls made out of wood that held the treasures of the tradesman and treasure for the buyers. Before the innovation of malls, Salem, MA was the place to be especially on Saturdays. Throngs of crowds frequented the Paramount Theatre, shopped at the multiple stores that once lined the streets, while thousands of patrons visited the marketplace near Old Town Hall until sometime in the 1970's when malls opened Salem's heyday became just a nostalgic memory. However, that memory was to be renewed when in 2009 Jennifer Bell, dedicated volunteers, and the City of Salem reinstated the market area in downtown. Spurred by the advent of farmer markets in California the movement of marketplaces spread throughout the United States in the 80's and the 90's to eventually be the conceived as Salems Farmers' Market. A reinstatement that is a popular place now for not only our residents, but for those visiting our city. A popularity that has grown and will continue to grow like an 'Agora' alive with the smells and the colors that once thrived in ancient Greece. 
I stumble upon a celebration; what can it be?
Costumed revelers dance through the town
as unsettled spirits are no longer bound.