By MIKE CAPUTO
A memo released by the county indicated that park managers were instructed to devise park closure plans to file with the county by Feb. 13.
Once the park managers' plans are evaluated, the county will determine the details of each closure, explained Deputy County Executive Ian Siegel, which could be implemented by April 1.
"We are asking our park managers for a park closing plan to help determine what closed will actually be," Siegel said. "That could mean anything from the gates locked, or the park is left open and unmanned."
Siegel said Eisenhower Park in East Meadow will remain open, but would be closed on Mondays between March 2 and May 4 and Sept. 21 through Dec. 21. On those days, residents could still use the park, but employees would not report to work and facilities and services would be closed, he said. According to Siegel, officials have not yet determined how the plans would affect the Nassau County Aquatic Center.
In addition to Bay Park and Grant Park, other facilities slated to close include Inwood Park, Cow Meadow Park in Freeport and Cedar Creek Park in Seaford. Smaller public areas like lakes and ponds could also be impacted, including Hall's Pond Park in West Hempstead, Camman's Pond Park in Merrick and Silver Lake Park in Baldwin.
Because of a third-party agreement with a non-profit organization, Tanglewood Preserve in Lakeview is expected to remain open, Siegel said.
Suozzi introduced a 7 percent across-the-board salary cut for the entire county work force as an alternative to layoffs. The proposal includes nearly 1,000 layoffs of union and non-union workers that could lead to service reductions such as park closures and reduced county office hours. Union leaders like CSEA President Jerry Laricchiuta have expressed opposition to salary cuts and layoffs, but said on Monday that they are currently in discussions with Suozzi and other county officials to come up with an agreeable solution.
Legislator Jeff Toback (D-Oceanside), whose district includes Bay Park and Grant Park, expressed hope that the public spaces would not be affected by the economic recovery plan.
"I am very aware that both Grant Park and Bay Park play a critical role in enhancing the quality of life in our community," Toback said. "Given the present economic crisis facing the country, it is my job as your elected official to pursue every viable alternative to help close the present budget gaps without raising property taxes. I am hopeful that with the cooperation of our federal and state officials and the county work force, park closures will not be necessary."
The county Legislature's next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. in the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola.
Comments about this story? MCaputo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 287.
