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Community Corner

#73: The Garden City Pool

Residents flock to the Pool in the summer.

The Garden City Pool is a unique part of our village with its fun, family atmosphere.

Guests comment on how lucky we are to have such a wonderful facility. Opened in 1956, the Pool was a big hit from the start.

Since then, thousands of residents have been members. It has grown from the initial pool area to currently include slides in the largest pool, more children’s play areas with playground equipment (including one with a sun cover), a sprinkler area, along with the added space of the picnic and snack bar area, all added after the initial opening.

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There are plenty of tables and chairs to relax with, some under the canopy area. Beautiful flowers add to the ambience. The family bathrooms are one of the newest ideas as the staff accommodates the residents’ requests.

With extensive operating hours, the pool is constantly staffed by 80-90 people who include 30 lifeguards, 40 attendants and 10-20 other staff. 

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"I am honored to run a facility that caters to residents of all ages. The Garden City Pool provides a great place for the community to come together to celebrate the summer. The atmosphere created by the staff enables the members to enjoy each and every day in a comfortable and safe environment," stated Grace Chianese, pool direcotr.

Families enjoy the refreshing clean water in the three pools that consist of a large Olympic-size pool, an adult pool and a kiddie pool. Six levels of swimming lessons and the swim team with meets are also a big part of the pool’s appeal. Anne Sullivan, a legend at the pool for 36 years, is a big draw, as she is known up and down the eastern seacoast as a swim coach who trains her team well.

“I’ve had a fair share of swim champions,” she said modestly.

The complex has a calendar of events for each season that is quite extensive. It includes water exercise, Middle School Nights, arts and crafts classes, Tuesday Movie Nights, Friday Family Nights with Bingo, magic shows, dance parties and concerts and more. The “70s Week” was enjoyed by many. A big hit for the second year was the “GC Pool Cares Week” where members donated an impressive 1,800 pounds (almost a ton) of food and more than $450 to Island Harvest, according to Chianese. (One unique activity not listed in events is children trying to catch the little lizards.)

Lillian LaPlac, a longtime pool member, remarked, “It’s a delightful oasis and well-maintained. I feel transported to a resort. Mari Hill does a wonderful job with the flowers.”

The Pool is located at 52 Cherry Valley Avenue, corner of First Street. For more information on the Pool, call 516-483-1714 or visit www.gardencityrecreation.org.

Come back next Tuesday at 10 a.m. for reason #72. Click here if you missed reason #74.

 Category: Garden City public areas

Price: Check website

Season: Summer

Note: Bring sunblock

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