Group Nears Goal of Purchasing Williamstown Pool

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — A group formed to try to purchase the landmark Sand Springs pool is within reach of its $550,000 goal.

Sand Springs Recreational Center says it has raised $505,000, but must come up with another $45,000 in the next four weeks in time to open the pool for the summer season.

Recent contributions include foundation grants totaling $37,500 and institutional pledges of $15,000.

Williamstown residents are getting direct appeals in their mailboxes to help the group over this final hurdle by June 15.

The facility includes one of the only thermal spas in the Northeast, the pool and bathhouse. Sand Springs has been closed for several years as the current owners seek a buyer. The Sand Springs Recreational Center formed nearly two years ago to buy the property.

• Building a learn-to-swim program organized by Olympic gold-medalist Samantha Livingstone and Carl Samuelson (longtime Williams College head swim coach);
• Opening a recreational center for swimming, exercise machines and sauna, hot tub, healthy suppers, basketball, volleyball, croquet and horseshoes
• Preserving a 250-year old landmark that's been a place to relax and recreate for generations.
• Keeping the membership dues affordable.

As part of its final push, board members are meeting with donors, conducting a social media campaign, and issuing press statements.

"We can see the finish line," said Janette Kessler Dudley, president of Sand Springs Recreational Center, "but we won't get there unless everyone who cares about this important community endeavor pitches in today to make it a reality."

Other members of the SSRC board include Joe Bergeron, Stephanie Boyd, Joe Cleary, Hugh Daley, Treasurer Christina Howard, Maryam Kamangar, Josiah Low, John McAlister, Clerk Steve Narey, Jane Patton, Carl Samuelson, Malcolm Smith, Jeff Stripp and Jennifer Trainer Thompson.

To help support the effort to re-open historic Sand Springs, donations may be made online at www.sandspringspool.org or by mail to Sand Springs Recreational Center Inc., P.O. Box 800, Williamstown, MA 01267.

Sand Springs Recreational Center is a 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are fully tax-deductible. For more information: info@sandspringspool.org.

Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:04AM / Tuesday, June 09, 2026

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.

 

But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.

 

"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."

 

"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.

 

Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.

 

The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.

 

Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.