By Dave Vieser
Work begins on new municipal pool
Construction work is set to begin on Lynbrook's first-ever municipal swimming pool, to be located at Greis Memorial Park. Construction contracts totaling $2.4 million, including a $1.9 million general construction contract awarded to Galvin Construction of Hicksville, have been issued and site preparation work has already begun, according to Lynbrook's Public Works Director Phil Healey.
"We are urging the contractor to get started immediately before the colder weather arrives" said Mr. Healey in an interview last week. "A good deal of the work consists of concrete construction, which cannot be done in freezing weather. The more they get done now before the coldest months, the better our chance of meeting the Memorial Day target date for the pool's grand-opening."
Plans call for a pool 25 yards long, and 50 feet wide, providimng room for an estimated six swimming lanes, which could be used for competitive meets, high school practices and other acquatic events.
Additional features such as umbrellas, lounge chairs and tables will be installed to enhance the pool's apperance.
The village anticipates that memberships, which are slated to run $270 per season for a family, will cover the construction cost, as well as the day to day operating costs, making the facility self-sustaining financially. Not everyone in the village is confident, however, that the pool will "pay for itself."
"Don't get me wrong, the pool is a wonderful thing which the village is doing for our residents," said Harry Levitt, Chairman of the Lynbrook BID (Business Improvement District) and past president of the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce. "However, what guarentees do we have that the pool will support itself financially? That's my concern."
In general, municipal swimming pools have witnessed a decline in registration numbers over the past decade, as more and more homeowners opt for the convenience of their own back-yard pools. Village officials note, however, that the nearest municipal pools to Lynbrook, such as those located in West Hempstead (Echo Park) and Bay Park (Hewlett Point) are a significant distance from the village, especially for those who do not drive.
"We need to encourage our residents to use the new pool once it is open" said Lynbrook Chamber President Bill Gaylor. "I am also a little concerned about it being self-sustaining in the long haul, but if our residents embrace it and use it signficantly, then it should support itself. Either way, it will certainly be a nice asset for the village."
The pool season is expected to run from the end of May through September 15, with the pool opening from 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. daily.
