July 2: Large Hommocks Pool Closed Again
Outdoor Pools Remain Open

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It's been a frustrating six months for Mamaroneck swimmers and for the Board of Education, the Mamaroneck Recreation Department and now, the New York Board of Health. The large Hommocks pool has been closed during most of that time, first as part of a scheduled upgrade to the filtration system and more recently because of problems with water cloudiness.

On Monday morning the pool was clear and open for business, by Monday afternoon the Board of Health had closed it down again. As of Wednesday, the large pool remains closed until the clouding clears. The two outdoor pools operated by the Town Recreation Department, are open for business.

Jill Fischer, Superintendent of Recreation for the Town of Mamaroneck, sympathizes with the many callers who have been jamming her telephones to complain. "We realize everyone is very frustrated. We'll open as soon as we get the word from the Board of Education, and they're waiting on the Board of Health to make the decision."

Fischer emphasizes that there is no health problem with the pool, but merely a safety concern. When the water clouds, lifeguards lose their ability to spot swimmers in trouble. The Board of Health "will come down when we think it's clear. We need them to say it's clear enough to be safe for swimming." The Board of Education released a statement on Wednesday afternoon which agreed with Fisher's explanation: See the letter, below.

The pool closing impacts a number of programs that rely on the large pool including all the area day camps - Flint Park, Village of Mamaroneck, Hommocks Play Ground and Co-op Camp. In addition there are the swim teams, the early morning "Master Swimmers" and the general public. At the June 11 meeting of the Board of Education, a group of swimmers addressed the Board with their complaints.

The scorching July weather only adds to the heat being felt by the Recreation and Health Departments over the murky waters of the Hommocks pool.

July 3, 2002

Dear Community Members:

The main pool at the Hommocks was closed unexpectedly yesterday when the pool water became cloudy. Although all of the different chemical readings of the pool water are within acceptable range, the poor visibility in the water makes it unsafe for swimmers. The Westchester Board of Health inspected the pool today. They confirmed that the water readings are within acceptable range but were also unable to find the cause of the cloudy water.

We have been working with engineers, water and filter specialists to determine the cause of this problem and have taken some steps to help resolve it. As of midday today the water has been improving and we expect it will continue to improve. We hope to have the pool open tomorrow but that determination will have to be made later in the day. We will distribute information on the reopening of the pool to the local news media and post it on the school website, www.mamkschools.org.

We deeply regret the pool closing at this time but we cannot take the responsibility for allowing swimmers in the water when it is not possible to see far below the surface. It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of all swimmers above all else.

Sincerely,

The Mamaroneck School District

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