2021 - 2022
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Living In Valley Stream
Valley Stream pool opens with a splash By Jessica Semins
T
he pool complex at Arthur J. Hendrickson Park opened for the season in June 2021 amid uncertainty whether Covid-19 regulations would be in place throughout the summer. Within four days of its opening, however, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that 70 percent of New Yorkers had received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, lifting statewide restrictions. As a result, the pool resumed operating at full capacity. “People come here for relaxation. It’s their staycation over here, and we’re happy when they’re happy — we want to make them happy,” Jimmy Fitanzo, the village’s recreation director, said of the reopening. “We see the kids jumping around, smiling, having a great time; it lets us . . . feel good that we’re able to give them that. After what everyone has been through, it’s very important.” The pool sold the same season memberships that residents were accustomed to purchasing at pre-pandemic pricing. The village also offered a daily pool fee. Fitanzo remarked that several other measures were reconsidered for the season because the state’s restrictions were lifted. Unlike the summer of 2020, chairs were supplied for use on the pool deck. Since the chairs were in storage last year, though, staffers had to clean and repair them. While most of the social-distancing signs were removed, Fitanzo noted that sanitizing stations would remain in place throughout the complex. Pool-goers were still required to wear masks when they entered the building, however. “We all understand that the pandemic was a really dark part of everybody’s life. . . We want to try to lift that, and when people come to the pool, they start seeing things they’re accustomed to and not red signs and red lines,” he noted. Pool officials also said they hoped to put diving boards back in place over the summer. Swim lessons, however, were on hold because of the limited number of lifeguards available to work. “We need a certain number [of lifeguards] to keep everything open. That’s my only concern as we go through the summer,” said Joe Tagliaferro, the lifeguard captain, noting the pool was close to the minimum number of lifeguards needed. If a certain number of lifeguards were to call out sick, sections of the pool could close. “Hopefully, we can do some training this summer so we can get people ready for next year.” Tagliaferro said the pool did not have lifeguard training last year because swim lessons were canceled owing to Covid-19 restrictions. Additionally, those who took lifeguard-training courses the previous year were unable to complete their certifications because Nassau County did not offer exams during the pandemic.
“It’s supply and demand right now. There’s not enough lifeguards for the amount needed to run the county,” Fitanzo said, explaining the lack of lifeguards was a countywide issue. Tagliaferro and Fitanzo said the pool received positive feedback last year about the precautions that were taken, adding that many people said they felt comfortable at the pool during the pandemic. “We love this pool,” said Melissa Peake, who went to the pool last summer with her family and was satisfied with the precautions that were taken, saying she planned to spend time there again this season. “It’s something nice to do — it’s very clean.” The pool was open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Residents can learn more by visiting the pool’s website: https://www.vsvny.org/pool.
Photos by Christina Daly/Herald
Above photo: Valley Stream pool lifeguard Alexander Grygierczya keeping watch.
