This past Saturday, the Mineola Community Pool, located in Wilson Park, officially opened. It was a beautiful late spring morning and those who gathered poolside admired the immaculate grounds and the crystal clean water that residents have begun enjoying.

Village of Mineola Mayor John P. Colbert as well as the village board-Deputy Mayor Lou Santosus, Maryanne Warnecke, Linda Fairgrieve and Elizabeth Conlon-were on hand to officially welcome the community to the pool.

Colbert called the pool a great facility and then thanked all those who worked on it, especially village superintendent of public works Tom Rini. "I know you all take can pride in it," the mayor said.

Others present included village activities director Angelo Scuccimarri, Mineola Fire Department chief Jack Gayson of Gayson Plumbing and Heating, Tom Rini as well as pool director Kyle Teemsma and her staff.

The pool was christened when some of the village's children jumped in.

The pool will be open until September 4. Daily hours until August 26 are as follows: Monday (2 p.m.-9 p.m.) and Tuesday through Sunday (10 a.m.-9 p.m.). Extra swimming hours for adults only are as follows: Tuesday through Friday (8 a.m.-9:45 a.m.). Pool hours from August 26 through September 4 will be announced.

There will be a multitude of activities at the pool this season. Three new activities including Whales Tales, which teaches children about safety rules at a pool or beach and what to do when faced with an emergency situation. This activity does not take place in the water. In addition, there will be a course called F.A.C.T., which teaches children about first aid, healthy living habits, injury prevention and road safety. There will also be arts and crafts activities.

Residents can also take swimming lessons, which range from Level I (Parent/Toddler) to Level V (Swimmer). There are three sessions: Session I (June 26-July 16), Session II (July 18-August 6) and Session III (August 8-August 27). Registration for Session I is June 23 and 24 from noon-2 p.m.; for Session II, registration is July 14 and 15 from noon-2 p.m.; and registration for Session III is August 4 and 5 from noon-2 p.m. Classes are filled by lottery system. All those not accommodated for one session are automatically registered for the next session.

The pool is open to all Mineola residents who have a leisure pass. Guest passes are also available.

Those who serve on the Pool/Recreation Board included Nancy Portoghese Bauer, Jeffrey Clark, Theodore Englis, Dennis O'Brien, Kevin Reilly, Barbara Stagnar and the Mineola American's own Lou Sanders.

The phone number of the pool is 746-0785.