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 Select Board 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.