With the thermometer rising, Haverhill suspended its drought restrictions Thursday at the Swasey Field Park splash pad, extending hours from noon to 8 p.m. through Friday.
Haverhill Mayor Melinda E. Barrett extended the hours of the park, off Blaisdell Street, three hours longer than regular hours. Hours for the water activity were cut back this year to 12-5 p.m. daily due to drought conditions.
The mayor extended the hours at the request of Ward 1 City Councilor Ralph T. Basiliere, who noted that even though the city is under mandatory water use restrictions, the state allows the city overrule those regulations in an emergency.
“Our intent is to keep everyone cool and safe,” Basiliere told WHAV. Swasey Field Park is in Ward 1.
Going forward, the city’s swimming beach at Plug Pond, officially called Lake Saltonstall, is scheduled to open Thursday, June 18, and will be staffed with lifeguards from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to Recreation Director Ben Delaware.
Parking passes are for sale. Day passes are $10 for Haverhill residents and $20 for non-residents. Season passes are $20 for residents and $40 for non-residents. A lifetime pass for anyone 62 and older is $5 for Haverhill residents and $10 for non-residents. The pond is located off Sanders Road near Mill Street.
Passes must be purchased in advance at HaverhillRec.com. Day passes are limited on busy days. Delaware asked those planning to walk in to register online in advance on weekends and holidays only so that park staff has a head count even though there is no charge for walkers.