Following her announcement that Nassau County’s outdoor pools will open with new State guidelines on July 3, County Executive Laura Curran today announced that the County’s interactive splash parks and spray grounds will also open on July 3rd.
“After the significant progress we’ve made to beat COVID-19, with the tremendous help of Nassau’s residents doing their part, I am happy to share more refreshing news on County pools. Everyone remembers running through the sprinklers as a kid – so I hope bringing back our beloved spray parks can bring a sense of normalcy to the summer season – as well as a welcome refuge for parents with restless little ones,” said County Executive Curran. “We will continue to take measures to protect residents and reduce the spread of the virus including reducing capacity at our pool facilities. That is why I am limiting access to residents only to ensure they get priority.”
From small stand-alone sprinkler parks perfect for toddlers, to interactive splash pools that are practically water parks, there are amenities available for all ages at County pool facilities. Interactive splash pools are located in: Cantiague Park in Hicksville, North Woodmere Park, and Wantagh Park. Stand-alone spray parks are located in Bay Park in East Rockaway, North Woodmere Park, Cow Meadow Park in Freeport, Mackey Park in Roosevelt, and Grant Park in Hewlett.
Curran also announced that the County is coordinating with privately run day camps to reduce their use of County pool facilities, continuing to give residents priority.
For hours of operation, opening dates and other news on our park and pool facilities, please visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/openparks.
While the County is finalizing the details on specific measures to be implemented at pool facilities to continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19, Heath Commissioner Dr. Larry Eisenstein addressed concerns of the virus being spread in water.
“According to the CDC, there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread through the water in pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds, and water with chlorine or bromine should kill the virus,” said Dr. Eisenstein. “Certain viruses can spread through the water because they’re spread through ingestion and kids may tend to swallow some water. COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory virus not spread through ingestion. Although we cannot say it’s 100% impossible, the chances of contracting COVID-19 through the water is considered extremely low, so we believe it is safe to open the pools. The best way to protect yourself remains social distancing.”
The County Executive also shared that concession stands will be open at pool facilities following appropriate health and safety measures. In addition, the County will soon announce food truck offerings available outside of pool facilities that would allow pool patrons to order food and coordinate pickup electronically.
“I want to encourage everyone to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly. While coronavirus remains top of mind, I want to remind residents of an alarming and longstanding statistic: drowning remains the number one cause of death in children ages 1-4. In addition, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the nation. Let’s stay smart and remember the basics – keep your phone and other distractions away while kids are in the pool and use sunblock and use it right – even on cloudy days,” said Curran.
The County will share summer safety tips on social media throughout the season. In addition, the Health Department will continue to provide the latest health tips, alerts, and updates along with practical advice for travelers, swimmers, and all residents on www.nassaucountyny.gov/ChildSafeSummer.
