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Spatcher pool rededicated
 The rebuilt Spatcher Pool was officially rededicated on Tuesday with a ceremony at the North Avenue facility, which is owned by the state and operated by the city. State Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Richard Sullivan, center, speaks while state Sens. James Timilty, D-Walpole, and Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, wait their turns. State Parks Director Priscilla Geigis is at the right. (Staff photo by Martin Gavin)
Top Headlines On Tuesday, the state rededicated the reconstructed pool as Spatcher's 101-year-old widow looked on. Hope Spatcher and her children helped cut a ribbon to ceremoniously reopen the pool that had been closed for three years because of maintenance problems. "It's a great day for Attleboro and a great day for the Spatcher family," said state Rep. John Lepper, R-Attleboro.  MARTIN GAVINSpatcher family honored Attleboro Mayor Kevin Dumas, right, gives a certificate to Hope Spatcher, 101, the widow of state Rep. George Spatcher, after whom the Spatcher Pool on North Avenue is named, while their son George Spatcher looks on.
The pool also has been redesigned so that it is more of a wading pool for young children than a lap-swimming pool for adults.The deep end is only 4 feet and there are sprinkler devices to shower the children. The pool was rebuilt with $1.3 million from the state that Lepper got with the help of his colleagues in the House and Senate. An agreement between the city and the state allows the city to operate and maintain the pool, while the state Department of Conservation and Recreation paid for the reconstruction. Richard Sullivan, a former lifeguard at a state pool and now commissioner of the state department, said the Attleboro pool is the first of several across Massachusetts that will be renovated. About $10 million has been set aside this year for the work. He said there are 36 state pools in Massachusetts, and most are 30 to 40 years old and in need of repair. As a former lifeguard, he said he was happy to see swimming lessons under way at the pool. State Sens. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, James Timilty, D-Walpole and Rep. Betty Poirier, R-North Attleboro, said they worked as a team to get the pool fixed, with Lepper leading the way. "This will pay dividends for years to come," Timilty said. JIM HAND covers politics for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at 508-236-0399 or at jhand@thesunchronicle.com.
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