Officials add village pool pavilion - just in time for sunburn season

It’s almost time for summer and that means dozens of residents will be flocking to the Hendrickson Park pool complex in search of fun and relaxation for the season. Whether you’ll be enjoying a refreshing dip in the Olympic pool or lounging around and catching some rays, sun exposure can be your best friend or worst enemy. Securing a big, shady spot for families to take shelter from the beating rays of the sun, however, just got easier. 

The pool complex is now equipped with a new pavilion to shield pool-goers from overexposure to the sun and to keep them cool in the shade, a renovation made possible thanks to a $50,000 grant secured by Senator Todd Kaminsky alongside Assemblymembers.

“The improvements made here will offer Valley Stream residents a more enjoyable experience at the pool just in time for the hot summer months,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky. “I was proud to have secured this $50,000 grant for the Valley Stream community, and I am confident that this new pavilion will go to good use for community members of all ages.”

“When the pool complex was constructed in 1961, residents wanted sun,” said Mayor Edwin Fare. “We even had a large ‘Sun Deck’ for people to soak up the rays. Today, folks are much more aware of protecting their skin. A few years back, we removed the ‘Sun Deck’ and added a large, modern ‘Shade Structure’. Now, thanks in part to this grant, we were able to add this new pavilion to provide shade for pool patrons.”

“Together, Senator Kaminsky and I have secured funding for a sunshade at the Hendrickson Park pool to ensure that families can enjoy their local pool without worrying about overheating and sunburns. I look forward to joining the community this year for some safe fun in the sun,” stated Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages.

“I thank Senator Kaminsky for all his efforts on this important grant allocation and Assemblywoman Solages for her partnership in advocating for our local communities,” said Assemblywoman Judy Griffin.

The pool is no stranger to major renovations, undergoing $1 million worth of upgrades in 2012. This included installing a new roof in the pool building that was leaking in various spots, covering the white cinder block wall facing the parking lot with a beige stucco façade, repaving the parking lot, and replacing the old metal awning above the main entrance with an arched blue canvas awning. The children’s interactive area was added in 1998 and the Olympic pool was completely redone in 2005.