Valley Stream pool opens with a splash

The pool complex at Arthur J. Hendrickson Park officially opened for the season June 12 amid uncertainty as to Covid-19 regulations that would be in place throughout the summer. Within four days of its opening, however, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that 70 percent of New Yorkers had received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, lifting statewide restrictions. As a result, the pool resumed operating at full capacity.     

“People come here for relaxation. It’s their stay-cation over here, and we’re happy when they’re happy — we want to make them happy,” Jimmy Fitanzo, the village’s recreation director, said of the reopening. “We see the kids jumping around, smiling, having a great time; it lets us . . . feel good that we’re able to give them that. After what everyone has been through, it’s very important.”

The pool is selling the same season memberships that residents were accustomed to purchasing at pre-pandemic pricing. The village will also offer the option of a daily pool fee.

Fitanzo remarked that several other measures have also been reconsidered for the season because of to the state’s restrictions being lifted. Unlike last summer, chairs will be supplied for use on the pool deck. Since the chairs were in storage last year, though, staffers are now cleaning and repairing them. The chairs should be in place within the next few weeks, Fitanzo said. 

While most of the social-distancing signs were removed, Fitanzo noted that sanitizing stations would remain in place throughout the complex. Pool-goers are still required to wear a mask when they enter the building, however.

“We all understand that the pandemic was a really dark part of everybody’s life. . . We want to try to lift that, and when people come to the pool, they start seeing things they’re accustomed to and not red signs and red lines,” he noted. 

Pool officials also hope to put diving boards back in place this summer. Swim lessons, however, are on hold because of the limited number of lifeguards available to work this season.

“We need a certain number [of lifeguards] to keep everything open. That’s my only concern as we go through the summer,” said Joe Tagliaferro, the lifeguard captain, noting the pool is close to the minimum number of lifeguards needed. If a certain number of lifeguards were to call out sick, sections of the pool could close. “Hopefully, we can do some training this summer so we can get people ready for next year.”

Tagliaferro said the pool did not have lifeguard training last year because swim lessons were canceled owing to Covid-19 restrictions. Additionally, those who took lifeguard-training courses the previous year were unable to complete their certifications because Nassau County did not offer exams during the pandemic.

“It’s supply and demand right now. There’s not enough lifeguards for the amount needed to run the county,” Fitanzo said, explaining the lack of lifeguards is a countywide issue.

Tagliaferro and Fitanzo said the pool received positive feedback last year about the precautions that were taken, adding that many people said they felt comfortable at the pool during the pandemic.

“We love this pool,” said Melissa Peake, who went to the pool last summer with her family and was satisfied with the precautions that were taken, saying she plans to spend time there again this season. “It’s something nice to do — it’s very clean.”

As of June 26, the pool will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Residents can learn more by visiting the pool’s website: https://www.vsvny.org/pool.