We have raised $487,000. Our goal is $550,000 to buy and operate the pool. We have $63,000 left to raise. Please help now. With your support we will:

We want to keep membership fees and day rates affordable, and offer high quality swim lessons. We have exciting plans –please check them out in detail at www.sandspringspool.org.

We only have a few weeks left to catch this season. Please give today. To give, click on www.sandspringspool.org/support. Your gift is fully tax-deductible. Please make a priceless investment in our community today. It’s sink or swim!

We are getting close to our fund raising goal for Sand Springs Pool. Check out our latest video – Sand Springs: The Movie.

WILLIAMSTOWN — Thanks to three key donations, a local nonprofit is closer to purchasing and preserving a community tradition.

The Sand Springs Recreational Center announced in a press release last Friday that it received donations from Williamstown Savings Bank, the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute and an anonymous donor. From these and other donations, along with a “challenge grant” promising to match any donation, the SSRC has raised $35,000 in less than a month toward its goal of buying Sand Springs Pool.

“The board is delighted with the outpouring of support from the community since the launch of the challenge grant,” SSRC President Janette Dudley said. “We have achieved 70 percent of our capital campaign goal, but we don’t have much time left.”

In the past eight months, a capital campaign to purchase, improve and operate the Sand Springs Pool has raised more than $405,000. The nonprofit still has to raise $170,000 to reach its goal of $575,000. They must do this by March 15, when the purchase agreement it signed with the current owners will run out.

“We fell in love with it,” Dudley said. “It became an important part of our summer experience.”

One of the only thermal spas in the Northeast, the water at Sand Springs bubbles to the surface at an average temperature of 72 degrees year-round. The Wampanaug Inn and Bath House was built on the site in 1907. The property was updated and renovated and after being sold to Wampanaug Springs, Inc. in 2003, before it was put up for sale.

One of the only thermal springs in the Northeast, the water at Sand Springs averages 72 degrees year-round. The Wampanaug Inn and Bath House was built on the site in 1907. The George family purchased the property in 1950 and operated it for more than 50 years before selling it to Wampanaug Springs, Inc. in 2003. Under Wampanaug’s ownership, the facility was completely renovated and updated. The current owners have decided to discontinue operations and have been trying to sell the facility for several years.

Steve Crowe, director and former CEO of Williamstown Savings Bank, said in the press release the bank is very pleased to support the preservation of a “community treasure.”

“They have completed an impressive amount of preparatory work and are approaching this process in a manner that will lead to a successful and sustainable re-opening of the pool as a community gathering place,” Crowe said.

The group envisions The Springs opening in June and serving as a community meeting space. Dudley said private and semi-private swimming lessons will be held for children in the community, and making that affordable is a priority.”We plan to offer scholarships for kids in the area that can’t afford the program,” she said.



Dudley said the group has approached the Williamstown Youth Center about integrating Sand Springs into the center’s summer camp program. Youth Center Executive Director David Rempell said the center is excited about the group’s efforts.



“Having swim lessons available for children in the community throughout the summer is very appealing,” Rempell said in the press release. “Assuming transportation and logistics can be worked out, we think this will be a valuable offering for the Youth Center.”

Dudley said as the deadline approaches, the nonprofit will be submitting grant applications to local banks and some private institutions.



“We’ll also continue our personal meetings with individual donors and will continue with mailings to individuals in the area,” she said.



She added the group will host information sessions and a fundraiser, with dates to be announced.



“We are asking everyone who cares about our community’s youth, who supports historic preservation, who enjoys outdoor recreation, who believes every child should learn to swim, or who is looking for that ‘third place,’ to give as generously as they can,” Dudley said.

To reach Edward Damon, email edamon@thetranscript.com

WILLIAMSTOWN — A local non-profit is inching closer to purchasing the historic Sand Springs Pool, which has been for sale since 2008.

Sand Springs Recreational Center (SSRC) President Janette Dudley said the group has raised $370,000 with the help of many local donors, including a donation from Williams College, but it still needs to raise an additional $205,000 by March 1, 2013.

An $80,000 “challenge grant” was announced earlier this month. Every dollar donated to the effort by March 1, 2013 will be matched by Josiah and Penelope Low, the Alice Shaver Foundation, and an anonymous donor.

Dudley said she first heard of Sand Springs after moving to town in 1998. It was a hot summer, she said, and she began visiting the spot with her children.

“We fell in love with it,” Dudley said. “It became an important part of our summer experience.”

One of the only thermal spas in the Northeast, the water at Sand Springs bubbles to the surface at an average temperature of 72 degrees year-round. The Wampanaug Inn and Bath House was built on the site in 1907. The property was updated and renovated and after being sold to Wampanaug Springs, Inc. in 2003, before it was put up for sale.

Dudley, concerned about the property’s future, began hosting organizational meetings with local families in 2011. The grassroots committee evolved into the current organization that has non-profit status.

“We realized that if we wanted this institution to continue, we’d have to take this on ourselves,” she said.

The group signed an option to purchase the property in March 2012. A capital campaign that began this summer brought many donations to the group. Donations have included lead gifts from Josiah and Penelope Low, an anonymous donor, the Alice Shaver Foundation and Williams College. SSRC’s vision is to transform the property from a pool and spa into a sustainable community gathering place with low membership fees. The Samuelson Swim Academy, founded in memory of a longtime Williams College swim coach Carl Samuelson, would offer group, semi-private and private lessons to children and adults. The group also wants to offer scholarships to the Samuelson Swim Academy for local children. In addition, Sand Springs would have an expanded variety of food, including soups, salads, ice cream and smoothies.

Dudley said she is very optimistic the group will reach their campaign goal and open in June 2013.

She said anyone interested in supporting their effort can donate online at www.sandspringspool.org. Contributions can be made by check to Sand Springs Recreational Center, Inc. at P.O. Box 800, Williamstown, MA, 01267. All contributions are fully tax-deductible.

“If we aren’t successful, this institution might disappear,” Dudley said. “We really need the community to come out and support this.”

To reach Edward Damon, email edamon@thetranscript.com

December 5, 2012 – Many people have fond memories of the historic Sand Springs Pool in Williamstown.  Few realize, however, that it is for sale, and may never open again unless it is saved by the local community.  It’s sink or swim.

A newly formed nonprofit – the Sand Springs Recreational Center (SSRC) – announced today that it has raised $350,000 to purchase, improve, and operate the Sand Springs Pool.  The total goal is $575,000.  In addition to a generous gift by Williams College, lead gifts have been received by Josiah and Penelope Low, an anonymous donor, and the Alice Shaver Foundation.

“The college is pleased to be able to support the Sand Springs Recreational Center in its efforts to preserve this historic local resource and expand its outreach to the community,” said Jim Kolesar, Assistant to the President for Public Affairs at Williams College. “In particular, the Samuelson Swim Academy looks to broaden the recreational and educational offerings available to all ages, especially children and young people, throughout Williamstown and beyond.”

As SSRC launches its public campaign, Josiah and Penelope Low, an anonymous donor, the Alice Shaver Foundation, and several other donors have jointly pledged $80,000 towards a challenge grant that is being launched today.  Every dollar donated to the pool effort by March 1, 2013 will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the above donors.

Sand Springs has been a jewel of the northern Berkshire region for nearly 250 years.  The curative properties of the pure spring water and the bucolic setting have attracted residents and tourists for generations. One of the only thermal spas in the Northeast, the water of Sand Springs bubbles to the surface at a mean temperature of 72 degrees throughout the year.  The Wampanaug Inn and Bath House was built on the site in 1907.  The George family purchased the property in 1950 and operated it for more than 50 years before selling it to Wampanaug Springs, Inc. in 2003.  Under Wampanaug’s ownership, the facility was completely renovated and updated.  The current owners have decided to discontinue operations and have been trying to sell the facility for several years.  Although it was opened briefly last summer, the owners have no plans to open it in the future.

The Sand Springs Springwater Company, owned by Maxine and Jennifer Morin, has existed on the property above the pool since 1893, and was the site of the former four-story Greylock Hotel and the smaller Sand Springs House.

“We hope that everyone who has fond memories of the pool, who uses the pool today, who recognizes the value of preserving our historical treasures, or who believes in the benefits of informal community gathering places, will give generously to this effort,” said lead donor and SSRC board member Josiah Low.

In early 2011, Janette Kessler Dudley, current President of SSRC, was concerned about the fate of Sand Springs, and was approached by others with similar concerns.  She began hosting organizational meetings that evolved into a grassroots committee and then the current nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status.   The goal was not only to save the pool, but also to transform it from a pool and spa into a true community organization.  “We are excited to launch this challenge grant and hope that the community will respond to our efforts to save this Williamstown treasure for current and future generations,” she said.  “Sand Springs Recreational Center plans to preserve the things people love most about this special place, but also to make it a world-class swim academy and an important community gathering place.”

The new Carl and Nancy Samuelson Swim Academy was named in honor of Carl Samuelson, beloved head swim coach at Williams College from 1966 until 1999, and his wife Nancy.  Between them, Carl and Nancy have taught thousands of children and adults to swim at Lawrence Beach Club in Atlantic Beach, NY, Williams College, Suffield Academy in Suffield, CT and Springfield College in Springfield, MA.

The Samuelson Swim Academy at Sand Springs will offer group, semi-private, and private lessons to children and adults in the community.  Swimming scholarships will be available to local children.  In addition, the Academy hopes to offer therapeutic swimming options to the elderly and people with special needs.  As a member of the Board of Directors, “Coach Sam” will lend his significant expertise to programming at the new Sand Springs.  Sand Springs can be a place to have fun, to learn to swim or sharpen swim skills, to exercise and rehabilitate, and enjoy the outdoors in the Berkshires.

Olympic gold medalist, Samantha (Arsenault) Livingstone, who moved to Williamstown last winter, is helping to shape the swim program. She is currently providing private lessons and clinics to young swimmers in the community, to great acclaim, and hopes to continue this at the new Sand Springs.

As a non-profit organization SSRC hopes to keep the membership fees as low as possible so that it truly becomes a community gathering place.  In addition, the new Sand Springs will have an expanded variety of café offerings including soups, salads, wraps, smoothies, real ice cream and other healthy and locally- grown options so families and individuals can enjoy a meal in the refreshing environment of the pool.

SSRC hopes to complete its capital campaign by March 2013 and to open to the public in June. “Without the SSRC,” said Carl Samuelson, “I think the community would lose this bucolic place and the recreational opportunities that it provides.”

Members of the SSRC board include Joe Cleary, Hugh Daley, Janette Kessler Dudley (President), Christina Howard (Treasurer), Maryam Kamangar (Clerk), Josiah Low, Steve Narey, Carl Samuelson, Malcolm Smith, Jeff Stripp, and Jennifer Trainer Thompson.

To help support the effort to re-open the historic Sand Springs, donations may be made on-line at: www.sandspringspool.org

Contributions may also be made by check to Sand Springs Recreational Center, Inc. at P.O. Box 800, Williamstown, MA 01267.  Sand Springs Recreational Center is a 501(c)(3) and all contributions are fully tax-deductible.

For more information, please contact the organizers at:  info@sandspringspool.org

March 30, 2012 – Sand Springs Recreational Center (SSRC), a newly-formed Massachusetts non-profit, announced today that it has entered into an option with Redstone Properties to purchase The Springs in Williamstown, or Sand Springs Pool, as it is commonly known. The group is now preparing to launch a capital campaign to raise the necessary funds to save this community treasure.

SSRC President Janette Kessler Dudley said, “We are delighted to have reached agreement with Redstone Properties on an option to purchase this wonderful facility. We greatly appreciate Redstone’s willingness to work with us in preserving this historic place and ensuring its continued presence in our town. SSRC envisions the new Sand Springs as a community gathering place where individuals and families will find respite from the heat and an escape from the demands of everyday life. With its beautiful pool, hot tub, fitness center and other amenities, we hope that the new Sand Springs once again becomes a place where wonderful summer memories are made.”

In addition to preserving its rich history as a summer gathering place and recreational center, SSRC’s plans include creating an exceptional learn-to-swim program, the Carl and Nancy Samuelson Swim Academy. The Academy was named in honor of Carl Samuelson, beloved head swim coach at Williams College from 1966 until 1999, and his wife Nancy. Between them, Carl and Nancy have taught thousands of children and adults to swim at Lawrence Beach Club in Atlantic Beach, NY, Williams College, Suffield Academy in Suffield, CT and Springfield College in Springfield, MA.

The Samuelson Swim Academy will offer group, semi-private, and private lessons to children and adults in the community. Scholarships will be available to all Williamstown children, so every child can learn to swim and be safe around water. In addition, the Academy hopes to offer therapeutic swimming options to the elderly and people with special needs. As a member of the Board of Directors, “Coach Sam” will lend his significant expertise to programming at the new Sand Springs.

Coach Sam said, “I am excited to help create the vision for the new Sand Springs. I have always believed that swimming is a sport for life. People of all ages can learn to swim and enjoy all the benefits of relaxation and exercise that it has to offer. In addition, swimming is a wonderful competitive sport which teaches kids discipline, goal setting, and team spirit. We have an energetic and forward-thinking board of directors who have developed a comprehensive plan for this wonderful town resource. I am thrilled to be a part of it.”

Olympic gold medalist, Samantha (Arsenault) Livingstone has recently moved to Williamstown, and is also providing SSRC with her wealth of knowledge about swimming, coaching and swim programs. She is currently providing private lessons and clinics to young swimmers in the community, to great acclaim, and hopes to continue this at the new Sand Springs.

As a non-profit organization SSRC hopes to keep the membership fees as low as possible so that it truly becomes a community gathering place. In addition, the new Sand Springs will have an expanded variety of café offerings including soups, salads, wraps, smoothies, real ice cream and other healthy and locally- grown options so families and individuals can enjoy a meal in the refreshing environment of the pool.

Sand Springs has been a jewel of the Williamstown community for nearly 250 years. The curative properties of the pure spring water and the bucolic setting have attracted residents and tourists for generations. One of the only thermal spas in the Northeast, the water of Sand Springs bubbles to the surface at a mean temperature of 72 degrees throughout the year. The Wampanaug Inn and Bath House was built on the site in 1907. The George family purchased the property in 1950 and operated it for more than 50 years before selling it to Redstone in 2003. Under Redstone’s ownership the facility was completely renovated and updated.
The Sand Springs Springwater Company, owned by Maxine and Jennifer Morin has existed on the property above the pool since 1893, and was the site of the former four-story Greylock Hotel and the smaller Sand Springs House.

SSRC hopes to complete its capital campaign by March 2013 and to open to the public in June. In the interim, Redstone Properties plans to open the facility for some part of the summer.

Current members of the SSRC board include Joe Cleary, Hugh Daley, Janette Kessler Dudley (President), Christina Howard (Treasurer), Maryam Kamangar (Clerk), Carl Samuelson, and Jeff Stripp.

For more information on the Sand Springs Recreational Center or to support the effort to re-open the historic Sand Springs, please contact the organizers at: info@sandspringspool.org. Contributions can also be made by check to Sand Springs Recreational Center, Inc. at P.O. Box 800, Williamstown, MA 01267.

WILLIAMSTOWN – Efforts by a group of community members to purchase Sand Spring Pool continue to move forward, with the Committee for Sand Springs now aiming at forming a nonprofit organization.
Janette Dudley, a member of the Committee for Sand Springs, said Thursday the committee is getting ready to form a nonprofit to own and operate the pool, and is currently having a feasibility study reviewed by the consulting firm Lutra Aquatics.

“The feasibility study was done by a small group of committee members, including myself. It looked at different revenue sources and what the potential expenses were,” she said.
The committee also identified existing features of the facility it wanted to keep and things its members wanted to add, she said. After looking at the cash-flow situation, the committee didn’t feel it would be sufficient to cover debt-services payments or investments, she said.

“We have decided that using public and private grants to acquire the pool, and make any improvements to it, was the most economical way to operate,” she said.

Since March, a core group of 10 families have been meeting to discuss options for reopening the historic pool, which is currently known as The Springs Pool, Spa and Fitness.
The meetings started after it was learned the facility, which is privately owned, wasn’t expected to open in the spring.

Dudley said the committee, which meets monthly and has grown to over 40 people, hopes it would be able to have the pool operating by next summer, but she admits that it’s a pretty ambitious timeline. Advertisement “Sand Springs is really a treasure in Williamstown, and it has such historical significance. Many people in town have grown up – and raised their children – spending summers at the pool. It’s near and dear to people’s hearts, and having it closed is just not an option people want to consider,” she said.

The pool and spa date back to 1813 when the property first became a resort. In 1950, it was purchased by Helen M. George and H.F. George Nominee Trust. Over 50 years later, it was sold to Wampanaug Springs Inc., in 2003. The Springs Pool, Spa and Fitness had been up for sale since the spring of 2008.

Last year, Pete Scerbo, an employee of the business, approached the Community Preservation Committee about it allocating money from the local Community Preservation Act fund for the town to purchase the facility. The proposal was eventually withdrawn.

Dudley said the Committee for Sand Springs is preparing to apply for funds from the Community Preservation Committee. The Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at Town Hall to learn about projects that plan to apply for funding.