Mineola, NY - Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead), along with fellow Democratic lawmakers, conducted a hearing on October 1 on the fiscal health and future of the Eisenhower Aquatic Center, a state-of-the-art facility built in 1998 for the Goodwill Games. The Aquatic Center costs taxpayers about $2 million a year, a drain that the County cannot afford during these difficult financial times.

"This hearing demonstrated that the Aquatic Center, like much of the other facilities the prior administration was mismanaging, can probably be turned around and become profitable," said Abrahams.

The pool is 25-by-68 meters and holds 1.6 million gallons of water and is the largest pool in the Northern hemisphere. It has been the site of local, regional, national and international swimming and diving events, but alas, some of these events end up costing the center more than they bring in.

Republican legislators walked out of the hearing, stating that the $2 million loss in revenue from the pool was not relevant to the upcoming review of the 2003 budget, while Abrahams disagreed. Legislator Abrahams was joined by legislators Jeff Toback (D-Oceanside), Roger Corbin (D-Westbury), Craig Johnson (D-Port Washington), Dave Denenberg (D-Merrick) and Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury).

Guest speakers included Nassau County Commissioner of Parks and Recreation Doreen Banks, who gave an overview of the pool's history and how it is utilized today. Michael Hollander, President of Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission also testified before the legislature concerning the pricing of local hotel and motel accommodations for those competing in swimming events at the center. Also testifying were Dr. Gary Wadler, President and Chairman of the Nassau County Sports Commission, Michael Famiglietti, President and CEO, YMCA of Long Island and several financial experts from the administration.

Mr. Famiglietti said that in addition to swimming programs at the center, other complementary programs should be offered. He said he was confident that the Aquatic Center could become a revenue-producing facility.

Some of the ideas suggested included increased marketing, more swimming lessons, hiring sports club managers and personal trainers, a summer camp and selling sponsorships.

"I believe this hearing shed much-needed light on an important financial issue," Abrahams added. "It is our duty as legislators to investigate any possible tax-saving ideas for County residents. We will now take all the information our panel of experts have shared with us and attempt to craft a new and profitable future for the Aquatic Center."