For Immediate Release Media Contacts:Collin Nash and Sid Nathan
October14,2010 (516) 869-7794
Town Welcomes Thousands to Grand Opening of North Hempstead’s Aquatic Activity Center
Kaiman, Town Board extend free-swim period through end of Thanksgiving Weekend
North Hempstead, NY--Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Councilman Angelo P. Ferrara and North Hempstead Elected Officials welcomed thousands of excited residents last week to the much-anticipated Grand Opening of the North Hempstead Aquatic Activity Center (AAC).
North Hempstead’s AAC, a 30,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, celebrated its Grand Opening Saturday, October 9. The day-long ribbon cutting ceremony attracted thousands, who enjoyed a pool party with food and live music.
“This has been a lengthy process,” Supervisor Kaiman said, welcoming the large crowd in front of the AAC. “But we now have a wonderful family-friendly facility that will accommodate all residents, from those who just want to splash to those who want to swim laps. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank all of you who have remained patient throughout this process.”
“Not so long ago, we built something in North Hempstead that became a jewel of the Town,” Town Councilman Angelo P. Ferrara said, referring to the picturesque Harbor Links Golf Course in Port Washington. “Once you sample this new Aquatic Activity Center, you will see that this truly is another Town of North Hempstead jewel.”
Supervisor Kaiman, Councilman Ferrara and the North Hempstead Town Board also announced that North Hempstead residents will be able to swim for free at the new facility through Thanksgiving weekend. Residents must show proper ID.
The multi-million dollar gem boasts an array of exciting features. The pool area, for example, is equipped with a figure eight slide and three separate zones, an interactive area with six water features, a zone with six lanes for lap swimming and a zero-depth entry zone for wading. A pool lift is also available.
Located on the second floor, the exercise room—three times the size of the old one—has a wall of windows overlooking the pool. New spin cycles and treadmills compliment the wide selection of exercise equipment.
The new facility now also features a ‘family’ restroom and changing room, eliminating the need for parents to send their young children unaccompanied into the common shower/restroom area.
A new multi-use room overlooking the pool provides additional space for parties and meetings. The new main floor party room now features an enclosed, exterior patio, doubling the space for parties, meetings and celebrations. Residents can book the party room and are asked to call 311 for details.
Extensive rebuilding of the facility also includes extensive upgrades of support infrastructure including water supply, wastewater discharge, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. New windows and skylights have been installed throughout the building, and a new fire alarm and sprinkler system has been installed.
Like the throngs who came out on what was a warm, sunny day to christen the new pool, New Hyde Park residents, Theresa Mancini and her husband, Dominick couldn’t wait to finally get back into the water.
“I’m very happy,” she said. “Now we have a place where the children can hang out during the winter months when they get restless with nothing to do.”
The Town Board will be voting at the October 26 Town Board meeting on a fee schedule.
For more information please call 311. For more pictures of the state of the art facility, visit North Hempstead’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/townofnorthhempstead.
State Senator Craig Johnson, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, Councilwoman Lee Seeman, Town Clerk Leslie Gross, Supervisor Jon Kaiman Councilman Angelo P. Ferrara, Councilman Fred L. Pollack, Nassau County Legislator Wayne Wink, TONH Receiver Charles Berman and Nassau County Surrogate Court Judge John Riordan.
Children of all ages enjoy the new water spray features at the Aquatic Activity Center.