Norwood Civic Center Demolition
⠀
On July 11, 1981, the Norwood Civic Recreation Center—a fixture of the town’s social and recreational life for decades—was leveled as demolition reached its final stages. For longtime resident and former town finance commissioner Ambrose J. Kelly, the sight of the structure reduced to rubble was a somber conclusion to a long, contentious political battle. Kelly, who had served as the weekend manager of the Civic’s tennis courts as far back as 1930, had been a leading voice in the faction that fought for years to block the sale of the facility and its 5.6-acre site to Norwood Hospital.
⠀
The hospital took title to the property 15 months prior and finalized possession on May 1, clearing the way for an approximate $25 million expansion project. While the old wooden sections of the Civic succumbed quickly to the wrecking ball, the reinforced concrete walls of the swimming pool—some three feet thick—presented a significant challenge, requiring hours of heavy machinery work to break apart. By Tuesday, hospital assistant administrator John D. Dalton expects the site to be fully cleared and rough-graded.
⠀
Despite the demolition, the debate over how to honor the town’s pledge to replace the facility continues to divide local leadership. Kelly remains highly critical of the original $2 million sale price, arguing that the facility is impossible to duplicate in today’s market for anything less than $10 million. In contrast, Selectman Walter J. Dempsey defended the transaction as a deal based on professional appraisals. Dempsey argued that the town is already making progress on the replacement program, citing a $500,000 project to renew Eliot Field in South Norwood as proof of the town’s commitment to providing recreation alternatives. Dempsey further suggested that the town look toward the future by repurposing school real estate, such as potential junior high school buildings, rather than burdening taxpayers with the cost of a brand-new complex. As the community looks ahead, voters are expected to decide the future of the civic fund—and a potential relocation to the former Aaron Guild School—in a referendum slated for around Labor Day.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More…
-
Foam Day at Father Mac’s Camp Brings Joy to Norwood Youth-July 19, 2013
Over 300 campers participated in the annual Foam Day at Father Mac’s Camp in Norwood, featuring massive piles of foam and firefighter support.
-
Norwood Lions Club Playground Fund Nears $20,000 Goal Following $5,000 Bank of Boston Donation-August 7, 1989
Boosted by a $5,000 donation from the Bank of Boston, the Norwood Lions Club’s fundraising campaign for a new Bond Street toddler playground reached within $55 of its $20,000 goal.
-
Mosquitoes Taking a Bite Out of Summer Fun-August 2, 1986
A heavy surge of rain-hatched mosquitoes flooded Norwood, Dedham, and Needham, sparking over 100 complaints per day to the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project.
-
Thousands Turn Out for Summerfest “Italian Night” on the Common-August 15, 1985
Drawing the largest crowd of the summer, Norwood’s Summerfest Italian Night brought thousand of residents to the town common for food, music, and dancing.
-
Norwood Selectmen to Reconsider Recreation Fees for New Civic Center-July 16, 1984
After implementing daily charges for gym access, the board faced intense backlash and scheduled a review for their July 24 meeting.
-
Recreation Department-July 23, 1981
The town’s Summerfest concert series, sponsored by the Norwood Arts Council, continues to draw large crowds. On July 22, an estimated 2,500 people attended a concert featuring traditional and “pub-style” Irish music on the town hall lawn. Summerfest committeeman Jerry Miller attributed the growing attendance to the event’s ability to showcase local talent and provide…
-
Norwood Teens Compete in Seventh Annual Tiot Relay Race-July 13, 1981
Local organizers Dorothy Pember and her committee successfully raised funds for the Civic Center while fostering friendly competition among area residents.
-
Norwood Recreation Department Announces Fourth Session Class Rosters for Summer Programs-July 31, 1980
The Norwood Recreation Department published complete enrollment lists for swimming and tennis classes across municipal pools and school courts for the fourth session running through August 15, 1980
-
Armory Still Eyed for Municipal Use-July 9, 1980
Discover the 1980 efforts by town leadership to acquire the Norwood Armory from the state, following legislative changes and the recent Civic Center location shift.
-
Guild School Picked for Civic Center-July 8, 1980
Discover the 1980 decision that transformed the Aaron Guild School into a multi-purpose recreation hub, replacing the former Civic Center sold to Norwood Hospital.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.