Village Hoping for Repeat of Graydon's 2010 Revival

Sun, fun and summer relaxation, all here in Ridgewood. Coined Ridgewood's "jewel" by council members, Graydon Pool will open for the season on Saturday and officials believe the good feelings of last year can continue.

After a steady decline in the past few years, Graydon saw a revival in 2010 with a glut of hot days and better badge sale numbers than it had seen in years. With the "Graydon Wars" apparently over (for now, at least), there's no indication the sand-bottom pool will turn to concrete, at least no time soon.

Village Manager Ken Gabbert said the pool–which last year still operated at a nearly six-figure deficit –.

To that end, you'll notice a few different hues in the deep water section this year. The council approved a $12,000 inflatable water park of sorts–the "Wibit"–which officials say should have the kids rolling in.

(PGC), the six-piece modular will hold 15 kids at a time (requiring lifejackets and a passing of the deep-water swim test, of course) and could increase membership by upwards of 30 percent according to the contractor's representative, who spoke at the council meeting. There will also be specified times in which children can use the Wibit as a way to maintain order; officials have said safety is of paramount importance.

But Suzanne Kelly, former co-chair of Preserve Graydon, said the village misplaced its priorities when it chose the Wibit over improving water quality and safety.

"We strongly doubt that people who consider Graydon’s water not clear and clean enough, will change their minds just because a plastic playground was installed in the pool," she said at a recent council meeting.

Along with current co-chair Marcia Ringel, Kelly told the council in April that adding aerators for a lower cost would have been a wiser decision. Ringel then related their constituents' thoughts on the Wibit, which varied from "Las Vegas-like" to a "Thanksgiving Day parade balloon drowning in the water."

In an e-mail to Patch, the village manager said the pool is "looking great" and the water quality last year "was a standard we will strive to continue," adding that it's clear enough to see down to the bottom.

As a point of comparison, Gabbert said the staff did "wonders" this year to keep the algae bloom from occurring: "Just compare the Duck Pond to Graydon and you will quickly see what we avoided this year."

He also reported the amount of sand used has also increased in quantity and the village is trying for a slightly larger grain in some areas though PGC has said it wants significantly more sand, as much as double the current amaount to bring it up to what they say were previous standards.

Season passes–which increased in price this year–are available to village residents at $97 for adults, $87 for children 15 and under, and $20 for senior citizens age 62 and over.

New this year is open membership (capped at 250 outsiders), where non-residents can purchase passes at $160 for adults and $140 for children 15 and under.

Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh, the Parks and Recreation Committee liaison, reported at a recent council meeting that out-of-town badge sales were double what they were last year. Those figures were not made available by officials and Gabbert said the only numbers that will be of value "are those we will release after the opening weekend."

"Those are the only reliable year to year comparison," he said.

For those still on the fence as to whether Graydon is worth it, the village invites all residents to see for themselves, and for no cost. A celebration with musicians and facepainters is set up for the grand opening on Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 10 a.m. Bring proof of residency, officials say.

"Graydon is the perfect park," Gabbert said.  "Sun bathe, swim, wade, sit and relax. Graydon has it all."