Nassau County Aquatic Center to Close for Renovation

The Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums announces that the Nassau County Aquatic Center will close for renovation on July 5. The Aquatic Center, built in 1998 for the Goodwill Games, is one of the premier swimming facilities in the U.S.

The work, expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2012, includes removal and replacement of the roof; a new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system for the pool area; and new lighting and a new filter system in the pool area.

Nassau County has filed lawsuits against those involved in the original design and construction of the facility, including the architect, mechanical engineer, construction manager and New York State. The County hopes through litigation to recover the cost of remediation, which is related to the original flaws in the design and construction, including a faulty ventilation system that led to corrosion in the facility.

The funding for the work, if approved by the Nassau County Legislature and the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, will be drawn from the capital budget and does not relate to the issues Nassau County is addressing with the operating budget that accounts for costs such as employee salaries and benefits.

Centrally located in Eisenhower Park on Merrick Avenue in East Meadow, the Nassau County Aquatic Center serves the general public as well as competitive swimmers. The 80,000-square-foot facility – which includes a fitness center, Jacuzzi and sauna – offers a comprehensive schedule of swimming and fitness classes.

When the Aquatic Center closes, the hours at the outdoor pool at Cantiague Park in Hicksville will be extended while the pool itself will remain open past Labor Day for as long as weather allows (the pool is heated). The County has three other major outdoor pool facilities available during summer at Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn-North Hills; North Woodmere Park; and Wantagh Park.