The Garden City Swimming Pool will be seeing some procedural and rules changes for the coming season, according to Superintendent of Recreation Paul Blake.

The first change will affect the process of membership registration. According to Blake, pool membership applications have always been accepted and processed at the Recreation Office in Village Hall. However, this year, due in part of the impending renovation of the Village Hall, the membership applications will be accepted and processed only at the Garden City Swimming Pool Office. Residents will note that the return envelope, which is included with their application package, is now pre-addressed to be returned to the Pool Office, 52 Cherry Valley Avenue. Residents wishing to deliver their applications in person should do so at the pool office. Applications will not be accepted at the Recreations Office in Village Hall.

Two additional changes will affect the swimming pool rules this coming summer. According to Blake, the Recreation Commission, which oversees the operation of the Recreation Department and the swimming pool, has implemented two changes to the rules for the coming summer.

The first change is that the swimming pool is now going to be a "smoke free" environment in all areas. Previously, there was limited smoking permitted in several areas of the upper level decks. However, in response to requests from many members, and with an eye toward providing a healthy environment, the Recreation Commission has voted to implement a non smoking policy at the pool. Smoking will still be permitted outside of the pool lobby, and in the pool parking lot, as per Nassau County Health Department smoking regulations.

The second rule change will affect the youngest members of the pool, as the commission has implemented a rule that all youngsters 2 years of age and younger will now be required to wear "swimmies" diapers or plastic pants while in the wading pool. This change is being made in an effort to minimize the possible occurrences of fecal matter being introduced to the pool water. As always, youngsters wearing diapers are prohibited from using the main pool.

Blake stated that while these changes may take a little getting used to, it was the hope of the Recreation Commission and the department staff, that they will have a positive effect on the overall operation of the Village Pool. Any residents who have questions regarding these items are encouraged to contact Superintendent Blake at the Recreation Office, 465-4075.