Construction On Roberto Clemente Park Pool Underway

BRENTWOOD, NY - Work on the long-awaited pool at Roberto Clemente Park in Brentwood, which has been closed since 2012, is ongoing and expected to be completed by this summer, according to founder of Uplift Brentwood Herbie Medina.

The park was shut down in 2014 after it was discovered that toxic waste had been illegally dumped in the park.

It was officially reopened in July after being closed for 3 years, however the pool remained under construction.

"There has been some setbacks with the walls and floor of the pool but they are making progress," Medina, who recently met with Islip Town Parks Commissioner Tom Owens, wrote in a post on Facebook.

He also stated that the whole pool had to be reconditioned but that workers added a new gutter system around the pool as well as a new filter system.

"From what I was told, the 13-foot pool will be filled and possibly have a playground section added where it is," the local resident wrote. "Concession stand may not open till next year but they are planning on having food trucks for now."

In addition, the locker rooms have been refurbished and the benches have sanded and stained.

Construction of the spray park is suppose to start by the end the summer with hopes to be open in next year and will be located where the toddler pools use to be.

According to Medina, there are plans to add a walking track around the large field with fitness equipment stations as well as plans to add some more basketball hoops.

A skatepark is still in discussion but is also in the plans.

Medina says that officials are awaiting some kind of grant to replace the main playground equipment which will take time.

"Parks commissioners office wanted me to reiterate the fact that they want to see these upgrades just as bad as the community does," he wrote. "This will be an ongoing process that will take time but they are working diligently to make our park one to be proud of. They've added some benches, barbeque grills, I counted 18 garbage cans throughout the park, sprinklers and cameras security system."

Related:

• Local Officials, Residents 'Disappointed' In Newly Reopened Roberto Clemente Park
• Roberto Clemente Park Reopens After 3 Years
• Petition Started to Reopen Roberto Clemente Park
• Town Begins Work On Olympic-Sized Pool At Roberto Clemente Park

Photos courtesy of Herbie Medina