Mineola, NY - Nassau County Legislator Patrick Williams (D-Uniondale) was joined by members of the Democratic majority this week in bringing County residents relief from the summer heat in the form of lower fees at the County's pools and parks.

The fee package and amendments, which were approved in a 10-9 vote of the legislature along party lines, called for fees at County pools to be reduced and the option of a seasonal pass to be added at North Woodmere Park and Wantagh Park. In addition, entering a lottery system for cabanas and marina slips will go from the proposed $50 to $25.

"It is vitally important that we keep our fees competitive with those in surrounding areas to encourage the use of our pools and parks. We need to be responsive to the needs of those utilizing our County's facilities," said Legislator Williams.

Democratic legislators successfully advocated for lowering daily pool fees from $7 for adults to $5; $5 for children to $3; and cutting the senior citizen rate from $5 to $2.50. A wrist band which entitles the purchaser to use of the water slides, would cost an additional $2.

Seasonal passes, which had only been available at Cantiague Park, will now also be available at North Woodmere Park and Wantagh Park. Democratic legislators had lobbied the Parks Department to add the seasonal pass rates equal to town pools. The season pass is $155 for a family; $83 for individuals; and $45 for senior citizens. The season pass permits full use of the pool facilities.

A fee increase for pool admittance was part of a budget plan proposed by former County Executive Thomas Gulotta in 2000 set to take effect in January of this year, which is why residents first saw an increase in pool fees this summer. Democratic legislators, understanding of the additional financial burden it placed on seniors and families, agreed to lower the daily fees and offer seasonal passes at the other pools.

Fee increases, including greens fees at golf courses, recreation fees, museum admissions, and permit fees, were approved by the legislature as part of the overall fee schedule proposed by County Executive Thomas Suozzi and Nassau County Parks Commissioner Doreen Banks. That package worked its way through committee during the June 24, meeting of the Legislature.

At the July 8, meeting, amendments were offered to respond to the concerns of Democratic legislators regarding seasonal pass rates, and marina and cabana lottery fees. "We want to bring people into the County-owned pools and parks," said Legislator Williams. "That's how we can increase revenue, by making our facilities more attractive to residents."