To The Editor:

I agree that the Garden City Pool is a gem of the community. It is one reason why my family chose Garden City over other communities when we relocated eleven years ago.

However, I do think that some creativity needs to be applied to the choice of passes offered residents. Why not offer "Weekend Only" passes to those who work and know that they cannot make use of the pool on weekdays; "Weekday Only" passes to those who leave town on weekends or have busy social schedules; and "Limited Use" passes that would allow purchasers to use the pool for a set number -- say five -- times a season? Such options, which would be priced proportionally but below the full seasons passes now offered, would undoubtedly increase use of the pool and thus revenues.

The current pricing structure does not recognize that many more women work and thus cannot bring their children to the pool on a daily basis and many more families have second homes, which they use on weekends and for a month or two of the summer. Many people would love to make use of the pool, but reluctantly decide not to buy a pass given the high prices, limited use they can make of the facility, and the uncertainty of weather conditions. Finally, I think the policy of prohibiting Garden City residents from using the pool as guests of members makes sense. Residents who want to enjoy the facility should pay their fair share of its upkeep through the purchase of their own pass.

Linda M. Ryan

Consider Different Plans

Printed By Request

Village of Garden City

Att: Mr. Kevin Ocker

Recreation Department

Dear. Mr. Ocker,

I must compliment you and your staff for a very enjoyable summer at the pool. Although I was unable to use the pool as much as I would have liked to, I was always happy with our beautiful complex.

There have recently been several letters written to “Letters to The Editor” of The Garden City News regarding the membership fees for residents. I believe the time has come for a re-evaluation of the fee structure for both the pool membership and the guest costs .

As Mr. Miner stated in his Letter to The Editor in the September 3, 2004 issue, there are many families who would like to join the pool but can only use the facility for half of the pool season. Because these families, either have their children in camp or they are on extended vacations, it seems a shame that when they return to Garden City, they are unable to avail themselves of our beautiful facility. The option of paying for a full season doesn’t always seem practical or fair for these people. We are losing them as potential members. I found that this year the pool was not as crowded as in previous years. If we could offer our residents either half-season or full season rates the pool might be enjoyed by many more of our residents.

Perhaps this winter there could be a brainstorming session to see how it would be best to incorporate these people into our membership.

The subject regarding guest fees is also a hot topic.

Presently, the guest fee is $10 per adult and $8 per child. This exorbitant fee discourages members from bringing guests to the pool. There have been many times when grown sons and daughters come back to Garden City with their children to visit the grandparents. The children would love to go to the pool and enjoy our wonderful facility. The cost to bring everyone to the pool can sometimes run well over an additional $50 per day for the Grandparents.

To encourage more family togetherness the following proposal is suggested.

At the beginning of the pool season there would be an opportunity to purchase a coupon book for 10 admissions to the pool for a fee of $50.00. These admission passes could be used for any adult or child. This would allow any member who might anticipate the need for more than 1 or 2 guest passes during the season to purchase the reduced rate passes ahead of time. You might find that there is a demand for these discount books.

Our neighboring community of Floral Park charges $5 for seven years and older and $3 for those who are under seven for their pool guests. Stewart Manor also charges a nominal fee for their guests. I am not comparing our pool complex with our neighbors, only the guest fee’s that these communities charge their members. It would be nice if Garden City could also encourage out of town family relatives to “swim together”.

Several years ago we tried extending the pool season beyond Labor Day. It was found that because of the much higher cost to members the plan was not successful. At least we tried something new . I am proposing that the next season we try a new formula for both membership and guest fees. If at the end of the 2005 pool season, it is unsuccessful then for the 2006 season, fees can return to the present formula. If the new fees are successful then many more residents of Garden City will be happy. “Try it you might like it”.

Judith A. Dolan