By Nick Buglione
Over the last year, the Town of Hempstead invested in a $478,000 facelift for the Olympic-sized swimming pool, the nearby children's wading pool and the surrounding grounds.
"I think one of the biggest changes at the pool this year is how we have made our facility even more handicapped-accessible," Councilman Gary Hudes (R-Levittown) said.
A new handicapped seat lift has been installed at pool side, so the disabled can now easily be elevated out of their wheelchairs and directly lowered into the water.
"There are many handicapped grandmothers who would like nothing more than to be in the pool with their grandchildren," Hudes said. "It's something that we saw a need for."
New handicapped bathrooms have also been added to the adjacent men's and women's locker rooms and so have new floors and a fresh paint-job.
"We also put in baby changing areas, so mothers can change their children's diapers quickly and easily," said Gregory Mantikas, the assistant to Veterans Memorial Park Supervisor Tom Carbone.
As for the pools themselves, a safer and softer vinyl material now lines the floors and the perimeter's edge, replacing what was once concrete.
For frequent swimmer and East Meadow resident Allison Grossman, this is a welcomed change. "When I'm swimming I always scratch my feet on the bottom of the pool," she said. "I'm looking forward to that not happening anymore."
Meanwhile, benches have been installed around the kiddy pool so parents can keep a closer eye on their wading youngsters. "A lot of the parents want to be able to sit around the pool so they can watch their kids," Hudes said.
Patches of broken concrete that once surrounded the pool area have since been repaired also. "If you've been around a pool you know that nothing is worse than stubbing your toe," Hudes added.
For local residents that eschew swimming in public facilities because of poor water quality, a more sophisticated and efficient filtration system has been installed. Hudes noted that the pool in Veterans Memorial Park, while always clean, will now be even cleaner.
"We check the water every hour on the hour," Mantikas said, to ensure its quality and proper levels of chlorine. "The filtration system is better. It keeps the water nice and clean."
First opened in 1964, the Veterans Memorial Park Pool, located at the corner of East Meadow and Prospect avenues, has a capacity of 741 people, while the children's wading pool can accommodate a maximum of 85.
"There have been times when we get too may people in here and we can't let anymore in," Mantikas said, explaining that the facility is a seasonal hot spot.
According to Mantikas there are 33 lifeguards on staff this summer. Five are on duty at all times at the larger pool, while one keeps an eye on the kids in the smaller one.
The facility is open to all Town of Hempstead residents seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. until it closes for the season after Labor Day weekend.
Entry, which costs $4.50 for each person 5 years old and up, is contingent upon presenting proof of residency--such as a driver's license or utility bill.
Frequent users of the pool can apply for a $155 season pass that is valid for the entire family, regardless of size, Hudes said.
For more information call the Veterans Memorial Park office at (516) 296-7780.
Amy Schoenberger contributed to this story
