The long complicated process of determining the future renovation of the Parkwood rink and pool complex is moving closer to holding bond hearings. The widely publicized May 25 public meeting at E.M. Baker School was attended by 80 to 100 people. Park District Chairman Robert Lincoln summarized the three-year process of study and exploration that involved numerous public meetings and various consultants and engineers with the aim of "modernizing and rejuvenating the facility."

He stated that he and his fellow board members learned a lot about the desires of the users of the rink and pool. In regard to the pool, most people do not want too many drastic changes. They like the size of the pools and they want the locker rooms and bathrooms upgraded. While users love the rink itself, there is a desire for modernized lounge and support areas. Mr. Lincoln went on to state that the board has decided that it would be more efficient and practical to consolidate the office space, moving the administrative offices at Parkwood to Beach Road with a modest one-floor expansion in the back of the building. This move would free up space adjacent to the rink that could be used for recreational purposes. In addition, space used for storage could be relocated to Penisula Park by using a pre-fab building.

Spencer Levine from Creative Design Associates, New York City, presented more detailed information regarding the exiting conditions at the rink and pool and then presented the recommendations of his firm in a Power Point presentation.

In regard to the glaciarium, the users want multi-purpose space, a better flow within the facility, handicapped access, better locker rooms and a protected connection between the rink and the lounge. Currently, there is congestion when hockey teams, figure skaters and the general public converge at one time.

It is widely known that the building's roof leaks copiously in heavy rains and the existing restrooms are not compliant with the federal law requiring handicap access (ADA).

In addition to keeping the pools' square footage, the public input reflected a desire for community space in the area, more drinking fountains and shade structures, changing areas for parents with young children, and food service on the pool level. Some members of the public asked for enhanced aquatic equipment, such as misters, slides, waves and the like.

According to Mr. Levine and the engineering consultant, Gerald Tester, the pools are woefully out of compliance with important safety regulations along with energy, water and space inefficiencies. Mr. Tester is from Aquatic Design & Engineering, Inc. based in Oakland, Florida.

Three different consultants have reviewed the structural and mechanical aspects of the various pools. Most recently Ward Associates Engineering and Pengat Technical Inspections concurred that the main pool appears to be structurally sound with the exception of some cracks; there is no outward bowing of the pool walls; the concrete strength is in the acceptable range; there is evidence of leaking of water through the pool floor.

However, the most significant problems with the main pool are with the drains and the gutter system. The drains do not meet New York State sanitation codes and are according to Mr. Tester, dangerous. They need to be affixed to the pool bottom, a step the commissioners are taking immediately for this pool season. Drain pipes are mounted on the side of the sump pit and do not allow for complete evacuation of the water.

Due to the fact that the gutter system does not provide sufficient skimming of the water, pool staff currently skims the water surface manually. There is no collector tank for the collection of water and the regulation of correct flow rates. On top of that, the reports state that incorrect materials used have resulted in higher maintenance than necessary.

Further, underwater lights are non-functional and require complete replacement; otherwise, there can be no night swimming as it is currently unsafe. Such lights should have back-up power to allow swimmers to exit in case of the power failure.

The deck area around the main pool exhibit cracks, potential toe stubbers or worse; the drainage and run-off is inadequate.

While the one-meter diving board meets state guidelines, the three-meter board does not. The racing lanes and the depth minimums for diving do not meet national standards. The depth markers do not meet code either.

Those were just the problems in the main pool, but what about the secondary pools?

The engineers found that the concrete strength does not meet minimum requirements and is a real cause for concern with cracks in the coping and beam. Later, during the question/comment period, one resident urged the commissioners to try to get restitution from the contractor who built these pools.

Each pool is equipped with a single main drain, a potentially dangerous situation as two drains are the minimum for any pool.

In addition, the electrical components show signs of corrosion and the exiting pipe is a mixture of PVD and ductile iron. The backwash pit does not allow for a complete and timely backwash.

Because of the operational issues associated with the above problems, much water is wasted, dumped into the sewage system, not an inconsequential matter and to round things off, there is an inefficient and costly use of electricity too.

The consultants recommend a complete and thorough overhaul of the main pool; however, they recommend that the wading and intermediate pools be completely demolished and rebuilt because of the structural problems and the inadequate strength of the concrete used originally.

The design firm recommends that the bathhouse be stripped of its current façade to allow the original stonework to once more shine through.

Ladies, listen up. State code requires that based on the size of the pools, we deserve 28-30 toilets in a new facility while the men only get 15-18. The formula for the number of toilets is based on the size of the pools, not on attendance figures. Mr. Tester said after the meeting that the number of toilets required was excessive and that sometimes this point is negotiable with the state if there is solid evidence of attendance rates that do not warrant so many WCs.

From the response of the audience, it appeared that many people were in favor of the recommendations to repair and renovate Parkwood.

The consultants also made recommendations for certain amenities, a point at which some residents began to change streams.

One suggestion was to create a zero depth entry, basically a gentle, wide incline into the water replacing steps, a feature making access easier for the handicapped and frail. Another idea was to install a public address system for use in team events and water aerobic classes. There were suggestions for a small slide, misters, an in-water merry-go-round, a lazy river, a resistance water circuit for exercise or a "Wave Rider" which simulates a surfing play area. These play elements would be located away from the main pool area.

A few statistics to keep in mind:

The square footage of the main pool is 17,900; the square footage of the intermediate and wading pool is 2,400 and the pool facility sits on 3.4 acres.

The rink has a square footage of 16,200 and if one adds the indoor accessory space the total square footage comes to 19,000.

The estimates for the repairs and renovations of the pool complex run to $8.4 million; the rink, $3.2 million; the relocation of the offices and storage space, $1.6. The total would be $13.2 million. If amenities were thrown in, add $2.4 million, bringing the number to $15.6 million.

If the final figure is $13.2 million, it would cost the typical homeowner an additional $87 per year; if the amenities are added, it would cost the same homeowner, an additional $102 a year instead.

According to the commissioners, the district is using the most conservative figures. The bond issue approved last year covers the cost of the roof, elevator, and connector improvements, but those numbers were not factored in, meaning that the totals could come in well below the estimates.

According to commissioners Tamarin, Segalowitz and Lincoln, the next step will be to distribute the results of the latest rounds of recommendations to members of the public unable to attend the meeting and to solicit more comments and questions before moving to the two required bond hearings. One hearing would be held by the park district and the other would be held by the Town of North Hempstead.

Chairman Lincoln said, "We want to hear the residents' points and questions. It takes longer, but the results are better when the public speaks and we listen. We're still listening."