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All residents are welcome to a “Pool Chat” on Wednesday, July 11th or Wednesday, September 19th. Held in the Senior Lounge, Level 1, Village Hall at 7:30pm.
https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/parksandrec/07PoolChat.pdf
>Ridgewood Pool Project – POOL CHATS
14 thoughts on “>Ridgewood Pool Project – POOL CHATS”
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>There are very strong feelings on both sides of the Graydon argument, and I don’t see anyone’s mind being changed. Why don’t we have a referendum vote?
>If the Village stopped subsidizing Graydon, we’d really get to see how few would pay the true cost of it.
Even with a subsidy, Graydon is losing patrons and is not adding new members.
That says alot.
>A couple of comments on Graydon…
I’m on the fence on this whole Graydon pool issue. I like the “homeyness” of the sand bottom, old swimming hole aspect of Graydon. I grew up in a town with a ‘club’ pool, cement bottom, etc. I prefer the latter for health reasons – we all know what the water at Graydon looks like in August.
I have seen from a distance the Woodcliff Lake pool – it was converted to a cement bottom (and I believe it has a zero degree entry). They’ve done a great job there (but this brings up my next point).
I’m not sure how a cement bottom pool will look right on Linwood/Maple – it would be different if it was on a road off the beaten path.
I do have to say that I was at Graydon on Sunday and found it to be less crowded than I can remember – are more people staying away?
For those who want a year round facility, why not join the YMCA? They have two year round pools available. Also, I’m sure a full season facility will increase the costs – where is the benefit?
Just a few thoughts…
>Several thoughts cross my mind re: cementing Graydon. There will now be new safety issues (get ready to hear from all the folks with lawyers on speed-dial). Right now when a kid runs into the water and trips, he falls on sand. A concrete bottom will up the risk of cuts, concussions, or worse. And who will vacuum this pool? Yes, the pool can get rather funky, but no worse than swimming in Lake George, or the Atlantic.
>much worse. just ask ANY local peditrician about “Graydonitis”… and ask him/her if they recommend that younger patients avoid Graydon in August.
As to lawsuits? Should we have grass sidewalks… or maybe sand?
Give me a break.
>We moved to Ridgewood 4 years ago and thought what a great way to spend the summer by sitting and swimming at the lake within town. My children were all competitive swimmers who have been swimming in public pools and the YMCA in Ridgewood for over 16 years. As children they were very healthy and never suffered any type of ear infections. Our first week at the pool after 4 days of swimming in the Graydon Duck cesspool all of my children suffered either single or double ear infections lasting in excess of 2 weeks. It was our last visit to the pond and we will not rejoin unless more sanitary conditions are maintained.
What I don’t understand is how someone could compare this puddle of water to Lake George or the Atlantic Ocean? Is it that the infection has spread to their brain and they just can’t comprehend the difference between a puddle of duck crap from a major lake or ocean? Have you ever seen what the bottom of this puddle looks like in early spring? The Port-John they bring to the fields has fewer bacteria in them then this puddle!
>It would be expensive, but given the amount spent on other municipal projects and the AAA bond rating Ridgewood has, converting the sand bottom to a dark pumace cement material. Like those in private pools and in the 201 magazine, could be a compromise. Remove the sand from the edge and seed it with grass. The pool could be chlorine, but not look like one- something for fundraisers to think about- look what was accomplished with the Turf field, people wrote checks for
a project them really wanted. The project could be bonded as well.
>Sorry that your kids got ear infections. Perhaps you should have their immune system checked. The waters are checked and the ppb are insignificant. Look, I’m that last person to be a worrywart (no I don’t want grass sidewalks – but 50% of the residents do not have sidewalks. Before I digress…). I just think that it would be another colossal waste of our money. And believe me, this town has endless ways to waste our money. Call me: Less than enamored
>Why does every coversation on improving things need to get so out of control.
Could we consider investing $ on improving the existing filtration system at Graydon. Is the only option a massive, expensive project to create a cement bottom pool. I’d bet that if the town spent some $ on making Graydon fun-you’d see usage shoot way up -ear infections and all.
Try some of these ideas – a whole lot less money than the insane concept of a year round facility, rehabilitation, whirlpools, come on – give me a break! – Please leaders of the Ridgewood Pool Project – find a reasonable voice before people are so against you that no one will want to spend anything on improving that place.
Why would it be o.k. to have a water slide in a cement bottom pool but not at Graydon? Why the heck can’t we just try a couple of slides over there, think about 2 little, mini water slides set up in the kiddie area – come on – the kids would love it and then parents would bring them. Why not one of those mushroom things that sprays water? What about trying to get a slide like at Glen Rock or at Woodcliff Lake in the 4 to 5ft area? How about a floating trampoline in the deep end? How about designating a little area and setting up a stand with some life jackets and getting mini boats for the kids to use? Think about setting up 6 kayaks or kid friendly funyaks and having daily kayaking at say 2:30 – 1st come 1st serve, why not build a bigger better playground?
Has anyone considered expanding the Graydon staff to include dedicated program staff – maybe one person that would be responsible for running daily events.
Really, we have something nice in the Graydon facility – let’s continue the ongoing effort to build on what we have.
>Agreed with 3:53, referendum and settle it once and for all.
>To 12:08pm from Less than enamored: Back in the 60’s and early 70’s Graydon did have slides. Six of them if I remember correctly. I’m 52, before any young whippersnapper starts questioning the memory of this old codger. They were taken down because of (wait for the pause) safety issues. This was when people hadn’t yet gotten lawyers on speed-dial. -LTE
>How much longer can we the taxpayers keep Graydon Pool going as it is today with fewer and fewer residents using it? Fewer residents means less money being generated through season passes. Is it fair to all the residents to keep it going just so a small percentage of residents who are willing to risk their health can swim there?
>12:08pm…. the reason that Graydon does NOT have proper levels of cholorine is b/c its a “natural” pool.. meaning that some of the water filters back and forth into the groundwater and ho-ho-kus brook. If you put the chlorine levels at acceptable public pool levels, you’d see dead fish and have all the tree-huggers screaming. Instead, the dedicated staff tries to balance things between DEP regulations and keeping the kids from looking like the Incredible Hulk when they come out of the water in August.
Yes, I too moved here and thought that Graydon was a slice of Americana… u know what? Its not. Its dirty. You wouldnt let your kids swim in duck and geese crap if you had a pool in your backyard, would you? And please dont compare this to Lake George or the ocean… the transfer and movement of water doesnt happen.. or, rather, it happens just enough into the ho-ho-kus brook to get the DEP involved… but not enough to “naturally” clean the water.
And… finally…
Dont you think that something is wrong with a “public” pool where the staff has to sweep the dark, murky bottom in wetsuits… each time that a young child is missing. Yes, we all value their efforts and hard work, but if a kid wanders over to the playground but cannot be found.. the staff is forced to check the bottom of the pool. Why? Because beyond 3 feet, YOU CANNOT SEE ANYTHING IN GRAYDON ! Umm… maybe its dirty? Maybe its dangerous?
Just a thought.
>My vote: a sand colored concrete or concrete like bottom with zero entry in the same natural setting and clean, clear water. LOTS of Chlorine and no geese or duck excrement. Now doesn’t that sound terrific. How many swimming holes have been closed due to unsanitary conditions, look into Schooley’s Mountain Park in NJ. Let’s take it to a vote already so those of us with small children will actually get to use this new, clean Graydon facility and sure some activities and events would be great too. I was amazed how many old time residents challenged my wish/idea in July. Those who want Graydon cleaned up need to speak up!