When a glass jar of salsa broke on the pool deck at the Rosemary Recreation Complex in July, scattering glass shards into the lap pool and closing it for days, it was estimated the cleanup would cost from $15,000 to $20,000. But the final cost came in lower than expected at $12,657.
More than half of that, $7,397, went toward overtime pay for Department of Public Works and Park and Recreation staff to drain, clean and refill the pool. Another $3,000 was used for services from the town’s contracted engineering firm Weston & Sampson. The remaining costs were for pool supplies such as chemicals and hoses, signs cautioning that glass is not allowed and rental fees for the temporary use of other pools for the Sharks swim team.
Amy Haelsen, Needham’s director of communications and community engagement, said the costs of the cleanup are being paid out of the Park and Rec budget. Because the accident happened at the beginning of the fiscal year, it is not yet known whether it will ultimately put the department over budget for the year. “If the extra costs do cause the department to go over its budget, they will use its revolving fund to cover the difference,” she said.
Because the town considered this an accident it did not seek compensation from the party that brought the jar.
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