The Bid Is in for Manorhaven Pool

The plans are in place for Manorhaven Beach Pool Complex at Manorhaven Beach Park,  which will undergo extensive renovation after Labor Day.  On Tuesday, the Town of North Hempstead adopted a resolution to award a bid for the pool's upgrades. The winning $12 million bid went to Islandia-based Stalco Construction, according to North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman.  

"This will be the same design that was sent out to residents two years ago and now the engineering plan will also include an outside and inside snack bar," Kaiman said. "Pool admission and parking prices will not increase and will remain the same. Manorhaven Pool's days are numbered due to its aged infrastructure, and it needs to be redone."

Some Port Washington residents are concerned that the pool's renovations will not be finished by June 2011, the start of the summer season and that they will be left without a pool.

"This pool is important, and is so well utilized in the community," Port Washington resident Maria Carpinelli said. "I hope the pool is completed by next June and that the Town of North Hempstead stays on top of it in terms of funding, contracts and the entire construction plans."

Another Port Washington resident Marge Walsh questioned if such an elaborate design is really necessary.

Councilman Fred Pollack explained that the town wants to construct the best pool it can for the community, and that the plans are to have it finished on time. He also noted that while the town had discussed an additional, smaller indoor pool, it was decided that it was not economically feasible because of its $3million plus price tag.

Stalco's Vice President of Operations Kevin Dunathan said he is excited about winning the bid for the Manorhaven Pool project.

"Stalco's management team is meeting the challenge by constructing the elaborate concrete pouring forms and reinforcement bar cages for the new pool in advance, but we will not begin demolition and construction work until September," Dunathan said. "Traditional construction practice prevents excavation and pouring of concrete in cold weather conditions.  Stalco, however, will continue the site work throughout the cold months by erecting tents and employing earth-warming equipment that utilizes pipes filled with continuously pumped heating liquid."

Still, New Hyde Park resident Marianna Wohlgemuth wanted to know if contingency plans would be in place if Manorhaven pool is not finished on time.

"We plan to have it finished on time, but in the rare instance that it is not, we would hope that other surrounding area pools would be accommodating," Kaiman said. "There is no problem now, but just in case there will be a place for Port Washington residents to swim.