Boston announces summer programs, 10 pools to be open 7 days a week

By Alli Knothe, Globe Correspondent

Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s office announced the kickoff of new summer programs around the city, saying that this year, for the first time, the city will open 10 city swimming pools and a beach seven days a week.

The city plans to host free activities including neighborhood pool parties, a concert and movie series, and outdoor programs at local parks.

“There is no shortage of summer activities in Boston. Now we are also making our City pools accessible to residents 7 days a week,” Menino said as a series of 90-degree days is forecast.

“We want to make sure that our families take advantage of all of the great things happening in neighborhoods across the city and are able to enjoy a safe, healthy, and fun summer.”

Several free neighborhood drop-in programs will be available starting July 9 through Boston R.O.C.K.S., which is run by Boston Centers for Youth & Families, the statement said.

In the programs, young people ages 8 to 18 who are not already in a summer camp program can go to one of 10 locations around the city and participate in activities like structured games, sports, and art projects from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Each location works on a first-come, first-served basis with 50 slots available, according to the city’s website.

An extension of the program, Boston R.O.C.K.S. the Block, will offer free weekly block parties where families can eat and participate in activities like face painting and games.

The pools to open seven days a week include: Blackstone in the South End, Clougherty in Charlestown, Curtis Hall in Jamaica Plain, Draper in West Roxbury, Flaherty in Roslindale, Holland in Dorchester, Mason in Roxbury, Mildred Avenue in Mattapan, Mirabella in the North End, and Paris Street in East Boston. Also open seven days a week will be Curley Beach in South Boston.

Visit www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf or call 617-635-5437 for more information.

Alli Knothe can be reached at aknothe@globe.com.