Under sunny skies and 90-degree weather, the North Hempstead Town Board unveiled the renovated Clinton G. Martin Park pool in New Hyde Park – or, as Councilman Angelo Ferrara called it, “our waterfront” – on Saturday.
Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said the board listened when residents said “we love our pool, please don’t change it.”
The new pool kept the footprint of the one built 50 years ago, Bosworth said, with upgrades to make it the best place for new generations to make memories.
“Seeing it today with the water shimmering in the sun, it’s even better than we could’ve imagined,” Bosworth said.
(Photo by Rebecca Klar)
The renovation project, which ended up costing $23 million, replaced the infrastructure of the pool and its internal components, as well as updating the design.
Included in the upgrades is a new water slide – enjoyed by children and adults alike on opening day.
The town held a raffle on Saturday to see who would get to christen the new slide.
Kayla Spernacka from New Hyde Park was the winner.
Along with town board members, the New Hyde Park advisory committee as well as other elected officials, including Assemblyman Anthony D’Urso, joined in the ribbon cutting.
Floral Park Mayor Dominick Longobardi and Williston Park Mayor Paul Ehrbar also came out for the opening day. Bosworth thanked the mayors for opening their village pools to New Hyde Park Pool district residents last season when Clinton G. Martin was closed for renovations.
The project was completed by the Wantagh-based Gramercy Group, with the Syosset-based LIRO Group serving as the construction manager.
(Photo by Rebecca Klar)
In a survey of residents about 65 percent of respondents said the pool need to be updated, but they were split on what the project should entail and cost when it was presented.
About 40 percent of residents backed a $15 million plan that encompassed a full renovation, and about 24.6 percent supported a $9 million plan to revamp the aging infrastructure.
The town accepted a $19.4 million bid from the Gramercy Group, higher than the expected $14.1 million.
The project totaled $23 million because officials chose to include a refurbished pool entrance, tennis court upgrades and a storage building, according to Newsday.
The pool is the summer home to many residents, who look back fondly on their years spent splashing in the community pool – including Councilman Peter Zuckerman.
“As a child my brother and I swam here every summer,” Zuckerman said. “I couldn’t be happier to have this beautiful pool for this beautiful community.”
