North Hempstead Town Swimming Pools Reopening With No Fees

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Swimming pools run by the Town of North Hempstead are reopening, and residents will notice the facilities will look a little different during the coronavirus era.

Judi Bosworth, the town supervisor, and the Town Board said pool facilities will resume operations Wednesday for the summer. This includes pool facilities located at Manorhaven Beach Park, Martin "Bunky" Reid in New Cassel, and Whitney Pond Park in Manhasset. All will be open to North Hempstead Town residents.

And they're all free - the Town is waiving all pool fees.

"We are looking forward to welcoming residents to our pools this summer season," Bosworth said in a news release. "With temperatures rising, this will provide our residents with opportunities to spend time outdoors while cooling off in a safe manner."

Pool-goers will have to abide by new social distancing rules, which will be listed at the pool facilities, officials said. Residents must wear masks when not in the pool, maintain social distancing and stay at least 6 feet apart while waiting n line in the facility and while on the pool deck. Capacity will be monitored and hours of operation may be adjusted accordingly to help adhere to social distancing guidelines. Locker rooms and showering facilities will have reduced capacity and visitors should frequently wash hands.

Pools will be open daily for two sessions: from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. They'll be closed from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to be sanitized, though high traffic areas will be cleaned frequently throughout the day.

Visitors will be admitted on a first-come first-served basis. Notably, residents will not be allowed to re-enter upon leaving the facility and no guest passes or guest entry will be allowed.

Pools at Clinton G. Martin Park in Manhasset Hills, Michael J. Tully Park in New Hyde Park, and Harbor Hills will reopen at a later date.

Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For children attending pool sessions with a caretaker other than a parent or legal guardian, the caretaker and the child's parent or legal guardian must appear together upon their first pool visit to obtain a caretaker identification card for subsequent visits. Kids between 13 and 17 can register and will be provided with a residency card that will allow for expedited entry for future pool visits. Initial proof of residency for youth memberships will be required. Adults will be required to provide proof of residency with a driver's license or other photo identification upon each visit. Last year’s membership cards will also be accepted.

Outside food deliveries are banned and no food is allowed on the pool deck. Food will be allowed in designated areas only.