READY TO SWIM
South Troy Pool set to reopen today after being closed since 2017
TROY, N.Y. » The South Troy Pool is slated to reopen this Saturday, July 18. Troy Mayor Patrick Madden revealed news Thursday afternoon, that the public will be able to go for a swim starting at 1 p.m.
The pool located off 4th Street, which originally opened on July 4, 1960, will be available for public use Monday through Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Reopening of the South Troy Swimming Pool follows a multi-year renovation effort at the facility. The pool was closed in 2017 after an engineering assessment discovered significant structural, mechanical, and accessibility issues. Upgrades and improvements to the facility include:
• New roof and skylights on the amenities building
• Interior of amenities building repainted, lighting re-wired, bathrooms re-plumbed, and changing rooms rebuilt
• Replacement of pump and filtration room, including installation of new plumbing lines and wiring
• Replacement of compromised sections of concrete pool walls, and installation of a new liner and gutter system
• Replacement of exterior fencing around facility
• Installation of new concrete decking
• Addition of pool lift to increase accessibility for individuals with disabilities
• Restoration of splash pad (located behind amenities building)
Keeping in line with state health guidelines for COVID-19, the pool capacity will be limited to 50 patrons. Among those 50 patrons, the pool will be accessible to only Troy residents, and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
“We’re pleased to officially reopen the South Troy swimming pool for public enjoyment this summer. Updates to this facility represent a complete renovation that improves safety for patrons, increases accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and will add decades of life to the facility with proper maintenance,” Madden said.
“I applaud the work of Deputy Mayor [ Monica] Kurzejeski, the Department of Engineering, including Todd Dickinson, and Parks & Recreation staff who worked tirelessly to re
open the South Troy pool this year. We look forward to welcoming back swimmers for the first of many seasons of summer fun,” Madden added.
Due to the looming heatwave this weekend, the pool will be open for public swimming on Sunday, July 19, from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Council members also voiced their pleasure upon hearing the news the pool would finally reopen.
As was the case in 2019, Troy City Council President Carmella Mantello noted that the council voted Thursday night to waive pool fees, something that the mayor’s office was in favor of as well.
“This is just super great news, super great news for our youth here in Troy and the residents and it’s way, way long overdue and especially in this period of such a challenging and unprecedented time with COVID,” Mantello remarked.
“Our kids are struggling to find activities and I certainly correlate the increase in violence to, unfortunately, many of our youth just not having activities, not having some summer activities to do and are bored. So certainly the opening of the South Troy Pool just fabulous news for our youth,” Mantello noted on providing kids with somewhere to go and have fun.
“I’m just so, so happy for the kids in Troy, they truly deserve this. This is there not just vacation but this is their getaway for the day and they’ll have more activities,” Mantello added on the ability for kids and families to have a welcome distraction and break from the world.
“This is great news for the youth of South Troy and all of our city,” Eileen McDermott ( D6) whose district the pool is located, noted.
“The South Troy pool has a long history of providing a fun and safe place for young children and families in the community to cool off during hot summers. I’m so pleased that tradition can now continue,” McDermott added.
“I’m thrilled to hear that Mayor Patrick Madden waived the admission fees during the 2020 swim season. We want to do all we can to help residents during the economic uncertainty of COVID-19,” Council President Prop Tempore Ken Zalewski (D5) stated.
“The pool project turned into much more than was originally expected. However, we can all look with pride on the finished product. Not a band-aid but a rebuild that, if taken care of, will last for years of Troy youth,” Anasha Cummings (D4) noted.
Sue Steele ( D3) also lauded the Madden administration in, “doing the job right and not bending to pressure to settle for a shoddy job. Kudos for the partnership between the city and the Troy Boys & Girls Club. Thanks also to Assemblyman John McDonald who helped secure the necessary funding to do the pool construction correctly.”
The city will also provide free swimming lessons for children at the South Troy pool this summer. Lessons will be held Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. until noon, beginning Monday, July 27. Lessons will be available in two sessions (July 27 – Aug. 7, and Aug. 10 – Aug. 21). Registration is required for participants. For more information on swim lessons, or to register your child, residents are asked to call the Department of Parks and Recreation at (518) 2701125.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Capital Area will provide a free lunch program as well. The program will be available Monday through Friday, from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m., for children 17 and under.
The city also outlined health guidelines amid the ongoing pandemic:
• Admittance to the pool will be limited to city of Troy residents only.
• Visitors will be required to present proof of residency during their visit (ex. driver’s license, utility bill, school I.D., or other gov’t issued identification)
• A 50-person capacity limit will be instituted at the South Troy Pool
• Entrance fees have been waived for city residents due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Restrooms with be available, but changing rooms will be closed. City residents should come dressed to swim.
• Visitors should practice social distancing (maintaining 6 feet distance from other people) when not in the water.
• Use of a mask or face covering is required in public. However, visitors should NOT wear a face covering in the water.
“We’re taking extra precautions this summer to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Madden explained.
“It’s important that city residents follow the instructions of staff during their visit to the South Troy pool to keep everyone safe in compliance with NYS health guidelines. Because the coronavirus has limited the availability of recreational opportunities, we are pleased to waive entry fees this summer for the enjoyment of Troy residents and families,” Madden added.
Those who feel sick or are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should stay home and contact the Rensselaer County Health Department. For more information on COVID-19 precautions, residents can visit www.health. ny.gov/coronavirus