Even with the mud, the demolition and the wind gusting through the trees blowing the leaves that just turned autumnal colors onto the ground, the beauty of Parkwood is still much in evidence. The structure of the place stripped to its bare bones is still something to behold. One can appreciate, even more, the magnitude of the main pool, devoid of water, dwarfing the two men working inside its depths.

The unseasonably mild fall has been a real gift to the Great Neck Park District, which everyone hopes will hasten the massive amount of work that will be necessary to have a grand opening of Phase 1 on July 4, 2008.

For the layperson, it is mind boggling to contemplate that the vision for the Parkwood sports complex will arise from the mud, but to Superintendent Neil Marrin, general contractor Edward Galvin and landscape architect Spencer Levine, it is a complex puzzle with every piece carefully formulated and every step thoughtfully orchestrated. In talking with them, it is clear that they are fully immersed in the project and are enjoying working together.

We walked the property on Nov. 16, smartly outfitted with hard hats and sturdy shoes. Stepping into the once familiar area was at first disorienting, but the trio helpfully pointed out what was and what will be.

Mr. Marrin said that the process of involving the community, which took 24 arduous months and was sometimes "painful," was well worth the effort because the residents gave clear marching orders about what they wanted in a renovation. In fact, the Parks and Recreation Business magazine, September 2007 issue, prominently featured an article about the park district's community process that included a survey, input from citizen advisory groups, public hearings, and public information outreaches that honed the multitude of ideas into a coherent plan. According to Mr. Marrin, the editors of the national publication were most impressed with the transparency of the process and the level of input from Great Neck residents.

Although a national consulting firm had recommended a smaller pool based on the usage and the population in the park district, the residents were firm that they wanted to retain the size of the main pool. They were equally adamant that they wanted the natural beauty of the area maintained, the specimen trees, the border of lush undergrowth and the sense of intimacy and privacy it promotes. "After all, it isn't called Parkwood for nothing."

Mr. Levine who grew up in Great Neck and enjoyed the Parkwood facility throughout his youth, is thrilled to be a part of preserving and enhancing its character. His plans include adding many evergreen and deciduous trees and making sure that the existing trees' roots are protected during construction.

The lazy river area, which will be completed in Phase 2, is where the volleyball court used to be. It is a low-lying area where storm water naturally accumulates. In addition to installing large dry wells for recharge into the aquifer, willow trees that thrive in wetland conditions will be planted there. He adds, "Large beech and maple trees will be planted which will provide shade and support the tree line in the future as existing trees experience turnover." Several specimen trees will be planted in the deck area, which will add a "sculptural look." In total, about 10-15 deciduous trees will be added to the pool area.

Approximately 18 large evergreen trees, most of them native, will also be planted in the upper area.

Edward Galvin, president of Galvin Brothers Construction Company which specializes in municipal park projects all over the New York metro area, is equally committed to making sure that this project is top-notch as Great Neck is home to him and his business.

The pool decking will be a combination of "broomed concrete" and ipe` which is a Brazilian hardwood that has the durability and strength of teak without the high price tag. It comes from sustainable-farmed forests. It has become popular for these kinds of projects because it is rated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Forestry as very resistant to assault by decay, fungi and termites. The insertion of wood into the decking will reduce the heat radiated from the concrete.

Another feature that residents were loud and clear about was the need for more shade at the park. The shade areas will be increased by 2,000 square feet. According to Mr. Levine the shade structures will create an "intimate feel" to the expanse.

The bathroom area floors will be a slip-resistant and seamless sanded epoxy. Seamless floors are now required in bathhouses because they are more hygienic. There will not be grooves where bacteria can "lurk and multiply."

Mr. Marrin thinks that families will really appreciate the "family-friendly bathroom areas" with changing tables. Private shower stalls in all the bathrooms will replace gang showers.

Behind the scenes, the modernization of the filtration system is something that Mr. Marrin is pleased about. He used to receive daily complaints about hair and scum from sun lotion floating on the pool surface. The new system will take care of those concerns.

Lighting will meet New York State Health Department standards, will also voluntarily comply with light pollution standards and will save energy. Mr. Marrin said, "We are mindful that we are in a residential neighborhood and we don't want our lighting to intrude on our nearby residents' enjoyment of the night sky and sense of privacy."

Meanwhile, the skate school is in full swing. The old lounge is being renovated, but the park district's staff installed a temporary lounge on the north side of the rink, which is working out fine for the skaters and their families. The majority of the rink improvements will be done by November 2008.

Phase 1 consists of completion of the main, intermediate and wading pools, the bathhouse, and most importantly, the elevator. Parkwood will be completely and easily accessible to people with handicaps.

Phase 2 will consist of completing the lazy river and the water play area and is slated to be ready by the beginning of the 2009 season.

Mr. Marrin concluded, "We are lucky to have three commissioners with different interests and talents, but they all shared a commitment to open up communication with the residents. Listening does pay off."