Williston Park residents and local officials turned out last Saturday night to observe the 50th anniversary of the village’s municipal pool and to honor Roger Fay, the former mayor who led the effort to build the facility that now bears his name.
The celebration drew 170 residents who paid $20 apiece for the party and brought their own picnic baskets to the Roger Fay Williston Park Village Pool.
“We are indebted to you for what you contributed to the quality of life in Williston Park,” said village Trustee Teresa Thomann during ceremonies honoring Fay. “It was a pleasure to continue and maintain this facility.”
Williston Park Mayor Paul Ehrbar also commended the 96-year-old Fay for his efforts as mayor and read a proclamation declaring August as Roger Fay Month in the village.
Nassau County Clerk Maureen O’Connell said she had “fond memories” of the pool, recalling that her father had been the first director of recreation in Williston Park. O’Connell presented Fay a proclamation honoring his efforts on behalf of the community.
State Sen. Jack Martins (R-Mineola) presented a proclamation recognizing the Village of Williston Park for its pool and a proclamation honoring Fay as the driving force behind the pool project.
“Fifty years ago, people had the foresight to invest and build this pool,” Martins said. “Thanks for the families who’ve enjoyed this facility over the years.”
Fay recounted the process that led up to the pool’s construction, recalling the need to rebid the project after initial bids submitted exceeded the village’s project budget for the project. He said on opening day, July 4, 1963, fences and landscaping were not yet in place.
“The main thing was the pool was operational. And it was time for a swim,” he said.
Village trustees Kevin Rynne and Michael Uttaro also attended the event. Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello was unable to attend, but Ehrbar said he had sent a proclamation honoring Fay for his efforts.
Asked how he felt about the observance, Fay said, “I really enjoy all the people coming out.”
“It gives everybody a good feeling to honor Roger and to observe the 50th anniversary of the pool,” said former Village of Williston Park Mayor Doreen Ehrbar, who had conceived the celebration.
Thomann, who had been the village board’s pool liaison when the facility was refurbished in 1994, said the issue of upgrading the facilities was a subject of debate at the time.
“It was very controversial at that time because the pool was operating at a loss,” she said.
Thomann said the village board held a public referendum on whether to issue a $1 million bond to make the needed improvements to the pool. The referendum drew support from 56 percent of the village residents who voted in it, she said.
“We got the mandate from the people,” she said. “Together with the pool committee we refurbished it and put it in the black.”
