By MIKE CAPUTO
Before a shovel was put into the ground in the mid-1990s, government officials envisioned the center as a gem for the region. It officially opened as host for the swimming, diving and water polo tournaments at the 1998 Goodwill Games.
The center has hosted the men's and women's NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships. Championship meets for the Big East and Ivy League conferences have also been held there, along with state and local high school
championships.
Several Olympians, including 14-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, have competed at Eisenhower Park.
But more important for its members, the Aquatic Center has been central for health, wellness, fun and even socializing. For many, like Tom Wissman, the regulars at the fitness center and pool are important motivating factors as he recuperates from a serious knee injury.
Wissman, a Bethpage resident and a member for about five years, said he thrives on the motivating presence of others in the fitness center - especially those who are recuperating from injuries like him. "There are a lot of people who have complete gyms in their homes," Wissman said, "and they still come here to get motivated. It's a complete facility, and the people are fantastic."
East Meadow resident Karen Serif, a personal trainer and fitness instructor, agreed. "It's like a family," said Serif, who was a longtime member before joining the staff. "It's a very comfortable place to be. They all like each other."
The pool, which measures 68 meters by 25 meters, varies in setup but usually includes lap swimming lanes, a diving area and a shallow section for recreational and free swimming. The diving area includes 1- and 3-meter springboards, and a 10-meter tower - the only one in the metropolitan area.
The pool is utilized by residents, community organizations, swim clubs and youth, school and adult teams. Swimming lessons have become very popular. There are about 1,200 participants, and registration is now based on a lottery system.
Members also have access to the fitness center, which includes an array of cardiovascular equipment and weight machines. For additional fees, members can also take part in fitness classes and personal training programs. Spinning, pilates and yoga are among the classes offered.
All age groups utilize the center's facilities, including young adults and senior citizens.
Darrell Marshall, a Navy recruiter from East Meadow, said the county offers free access to active military personnel, which he appreciates, as do his colleagues.
"I think that's great - they're showing their patriotism towards the armed forces," Marshall said. "I come here, I use the pool on a weekly basis, and work out sometimes."
In 2005, the fitness center was moved from smaller confines on the lower floor to a more spacious upper level area overlooking the pool.
Gazing out the fitness center windows at the still water last week, Serif reflected on her love for the pool. "The pool is like heaven on earth," she said. "There's a feeling you get in the water that you don't get from other things."
To register for a membership or to buy a one-day admission pass, Nassau residents must obtain a county leisure pass, which costs $25 and is valid for three years. A yearly pass for adults 18 and over is $540; family rates range from $725 to $975. A one-day pass is $5 for adults, $3 for children. For more information on memberships, visit the Aquatic Center or call (516) 572-0501.
