Town of North Hempstead officials announced that some pool facilities will open on Wednesday for the remainder of the summer season, with all fees being waived.
The reopening includes facilities at Manorhaven Beach Park, Martin “Bunky” Reid Park, and Whitney Pond Park, officials said. Pools at Clinton G. Martin Park, Michael J. Tully Park and Harbor Hills Park will open at a later date.
“We are looking forward to welcoming residents to our pools this summer season,” North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth said. “With temperatures rising, this will provide our residents with opportunities to spend time outdoors while cooling off in a safe manner.”
Officials said areas with high traffic will be cleaned frequently, and people will not be allowed to re-enter the pool area once they exit. Social distancing guidelines will also be put into effect, meaning patrons must wear masks while not in the pool and maintain a six-feet distance between others while in line or in the pool area.
Locker room and showering facilities will also have a reduced capacity and patrons are encouraged to wash their hands frequently.
“Our pool experience may seem a little different this summer as we have increased our safety procedures in an effort to help protect residents in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Bosworth said. “We ask residents to remember to follow all the new social distancing rules which will be listed at the pool facilities.”
Other changes that patrons can expect are a constant monitoring of the facilities’ capacity, and new hours to properly sanitize the area. Pools will be open daily for two sessions – 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 6 p.m. The pools will be closed from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. for cleaning.
The town will prohibit outside food deliveries and food on the pool deck. Officials said food will be allowed in designated areas only.
Children under the age of 12 will be required to be accompanied by an adult. If they attend any sessions with a caretaker other than their parent or legal guardian, the caretaker along with a parent or guardian must both be present at their first visit to the facility to obtain a caretaker identification card for subsequent visits.
Teenagers from 13 to 17 years old will be provided with a residency card that will allow for expedited entry for future pool visits.
Adults will be required to provide a proof of residency or driver’s license. Last year’s membership cards will also be accepted, officials said.
Additionally, the town said it is seeking staff to join the North Hempstead aquatic facilities team with positions such as lifeguard and attendants available throughout the summer.
For more information, contact parks@northhempsteadny.gov or call 516-869-6311.
