Mangano Delays Closure Of Aquatic Center

In response to requests from local high school swim teams and patrons, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano has announced that the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums will delay the planned renovation of the Nassau County Aquatic Center in Eisenhower Park until the spring of 2012. The center was scheduled to close for renovation next month, on July 5.

“After listening to our swimmers and high school swimming coaches, and hearing about the impact the closure of the Aquatic Center would have on their activities, I directed the Parks Department to select a time period for renovation that will be less disruptive,” said County Executive Ed Mangano. “This is a decision taken only after consulting with our engineers to ensure there are no safety issues involved in delaying the work.”

“A hallmark of my administration involves responding to grass-roots concerns, whether they involve major public policy decisions like holding the line on County property taxes or quality-of-life issues such as the ones posed by the closure of the Aquatic Center,” County Executive Mangano continued. “It gives me great pleasure to know that our high school athletes will be able to continue competing in that spectacular facility, and that our adult patrons will be able to continue enjoying their swim times and fitness classes.”

Built in 1998 for the Goodwill Games, the Aquatic Center is considered one of the premier swimming facilities in the U.S. and is used by local competitive swimmers as well as the general public. But the original design and construction of the facility was flawed, with the ventilation system in particular creating corrosion. Nassau County has filed lawsuits against those involved in the original work, including the architect, mechanical engineer, construction manager and New York State. The County hopes through litigation to recover the cost of remediation.

Planned work next year includes removal and replacement of the roof; a new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system for the pool area; and new lighting and a new filter system in the pool area. When the Aquatic Center is closed for renovation, the County will open two heated pools at Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn-North Hills and Cantiague Park in Hicksville.

The 80,000-square-foot Aquatic Center includes a fitness center, Jacuzzi and sauna, and offers a comprehensive schedule of swimming and fitness classes. It is centrally located in Eisenhower Park on Merrick Avenue in East Meadow. For more information about the Aquatic Center, call (516) 572-0501. For more information about the Parks Department, visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks or call (516) 572-0200.