At the conclusion of the two-and-a-half hour bond hearing on Sept. 19 conducted by the Great Neck Park District in which a stream of residents were heard on the proposal for a $16.4 million capital improvements bond issue for the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Parkwood Complex, the board of commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the plan. The majority of the residents in attendance who spoke were in support of the bond issue. The next step will be another public hearing conducted by the Town of North Hempstead, probably sometime in October, although the exact date has not been set.

The following are the probable cost breakdowns which include a 17 percent contingency fund to cover unpredictable and sometimes volatile construction costs.

Parkwood Ice Rink Facility: $3,119,998; Parkwood Pool Facility: $11,720,282; Expansion of Beach Road office and a pre-fab maintenance storage facility at Peninsula Park: $1,600,000.

The estimated total construction cost for all of the projects is $12,454,759; the annual debt service comes in at $1,692,737. It is estimated that it will cost an additional $80,000 a year in operating expenses to maintain an updated facility. Engineering, legal and administrative costs, $1,868,214. The contingency allowance is set for $2,117,309. The total amount of the bond issue is $16,440,282.

The borrowing is amortized over 15 years at a rate of 6 percent. The additional cost annually to a homeowner would be $112; a condo owner, $79.42; a co-op owner, $56.47.

Board chairperson, Robert Lincoln, said that the board was presenting a very conservative estimate of the probable costs, a "worst case scenario" and were not figuring in offsetting revenues that might soften the overall picture. He said, "We certainly hope that the project will come in less expensive than estimated and we hope that the interest rate will be less as well, but we have to figure on the pessimistic side."

Spencer Levine speaking on behalf of the design firm, Creative Design Associates of New York City, summarized the existing conditions at the complex that are problematic and the design solutions proposed by his firm's design team to upgrade this "unbelievable community asset." Prior engineering consultants who examined the pools found the main pool to be structurally sound, but with many electrical, lighting and drainage problems. The intermediate pool and the kiddie pool they found to have structural problems so serious that both pools will need reconstruction. The cost to address the most immediate needs of the pool area of Parkwood comes to $4,521,149. The cost to bring the bathhouses into compliance for health, safety and handicapped accessibility is $2,625,423.

The immediate needs of the rink will cost $1,339,394 and to upgrade the locker rooms and team entrance will be $1,024,242. Office space used by the superintendent and staff currently adjacent to the rink will be relocated to the Beach Road office, a consolidation that has been recommended for some time. The office space will be reconverted for a community room, suitable for birthday parties and special events. Space used for storage at Parkwood will be relocated to the Peninsula Park site. The cost of all these relocations comes to $1,212,121.

The commissioners have recommended enhancements to the pool, which will cost a total of $1,732,430. These options have been discussed and debated at various community meetings for some time.

They include: a zero-depth entry into the main pool, which will eliminate the current steps. This gradual entry into the pool is rated in newer pool standards as being safer and easier for older adults to negotiate than steps. Zero entry would cost $195,491. An upgrade to the public announcement system is slated to cost $39,200. Play elements at $40,218; Small slide feature, $146,618; Water playground, $337,521; Misting stations, $32,582.

The most expensive option is the lazy river, a meandering shape similar to that of a placid river with a current that could be enjoyed by children on floats or during different times of day by adults as a place for resistance or therapeutic walking. The cost comes in at $940,800. It would be located away from the main pool in the area where the volleyball area is currently located. This option thrilled some as providing a novel feature for young and old and repelled others as an "unnecessary frill."

Although some residents had expressed a great interest in an indoor pool, the commissioners decided that the additional cost of installation and the costs of maintaining and staffing a year-round operation would be prohibitive and would be in competition with other community indoor pool facilities such as the Town of North Hempstead's pool, the Merchant Marine Academy pool which is available for lap swimmers at a fee and gym pools.

In prior surveys and meetings with community residents, the commissioners got the message that everyone wants the beauty of the pool area preserved.

Commissioner Ruth Tamarin discussed the assistance provided by the pool and rink advisory committees as the commissioners struggled with balancing essential needs with the "might as well" wish lists. Members of the various committees traveled with the commissioners to other facilities to see what other communities have done to enhance their pool and rink sites. Although other options including a rink reviewing stand, a free form pool, a wave pool, a vortex with swirling water and a gym especially geared for the skaters were considered; in the end, these options were eliminated from the proposal.

Commissioner Ivar Segalowitz stated that the only option that was not up for consideration was to do nothing. He pointed out that on Labor Day, the pool was open to all and the district rented slides and play equipment to augment the pool activities. He said, "It was a great success with 10 to 20 kids in line, waiting their turn."

The board received kudos from many in the audience that evening. Even people who were not wildly supportive of the bond issue, complimented the commissioners for the open and lengthy process of engendering community input into the decision making.

Some, such as Eileen Brandon, stated that they were especially delighted at the prospect of bringing their elderly parents along with their grandchildren to a pool with something for everyone. Others, Joel Friedman, Victor Beecher and Neil Slater said that even though they are not swimmers, they would be quite interested in joining the pool just to get the exercise benefits of the lazy river.

Some speakers such as Ann Finklestein, Robert Hess and Shelly Sobel urged everyone to look toward the future and to remember that years ago, forward thinking people, over the objections of naysayers, supported the construction of the Parkwood Complex, a great asset to young and old alike and a boon to property values. "Let's don't be short-sighted" was their theme.

Some people, while supporting repairs and coming into compliance with safety codes, are opposed to the options for a variety of reasons. Naturally, there are those who think the whole endeavor is too expensive and will along with other entities escalate the tax burden excessively. Stu Hockron stated that he believes fees should be increased substantially to cover costs. He concluded, "If this is approved...why not go for a golf course next?"

Elliot Rosenblatt said that the $900,000 cost for the lazy river was way out of proportion to its usage, only two months. He was also opposed to moving the office space to Beach Road; instead, he thinks the office should be moved to Steppingstone Park. He also opposes Peninsula Park being used for anything other than parkland.

Others think that the there will be additional administrative problems associated with such an enterprise, stating that it is difficult enough to get adequate numbers of lifeguards now. With the enhanced lighting of the pool and the greater possibility of nighttime swimming, some felt that the staff would be stretched. There was also some strong criticism of the lack of enforcement of the rules at the pool with people eating where they are not allowed and with children acting up without proper supervision.

Rebecca Gilliar wanted to know about provisions in town law that would allow for a referendum on the issue. She added that the park district should sell Peninsula Park if a better use cannot be found for it other than storage.

Gail Berman, president of the Great Neck Figure Skating Club, said that enrollment in the skate school has tripled. She travels to competitions all over the country with her son, Jesse, an up-and-coming skating contender, and says that while Parkwood has good elements, it is overdue for an overhaul. Other skating advocates are also excited about the proposed changes; one person would like to see space designed for skateboarders.

If the town approves the bond issue, final design plans will be developed. Mr. Lincoln said that concerns raised would be taken into consideration in the detailed plans.