Whitman Recreation Commission Cuts Fourth of July Pool Access After Budget Line Removed

WHITMAN -- April 16, 2026, Whitman Recreation Commission scales back Fourth of July plans after town removes $10,000 budget line. The commission, meeting April 16, confirmed that a $10,000 expense line item requested to cover pool operations was stripped from the town's proposed budget, forcing commissioners to scrap free pool access and inflatable bounce houses, together estimated at more than $11,500, from the holiday event. The panel instead agreed to plan a pared-down morning of volunteer-run relay races and a bike parade, with a final decision deferred to the May 21 meeting following Town Meeting on May 4. The commission voted unanimously to direct a $300 Women's Club donation to a family requesting park program scholarship assistance, welcomed a new member named Michael, and designated a volunteer representative for the newly formed Hobart Dam Replacement Committee established by the Board of Selectmen on February 17. A community cleanup at Hobart Pond is scheduled for May 2, tied to action items in the town's newly certified Open Space and Recreation Plan.