Reported May 7 on the formation of the
Sportspark Users Group:
... In conjuction with the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Commitee, a group of us brought our concerns about Sportspark to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)...
... Our goal is to work together with RIOC to help improve conditions at Sportspark pool so that our community can continue to enjoy this facility that we are fortunate enough to have!...
Roberta Kleiman is one of the organizers of the
Sportspark Users Group. Ms. Kleiman recently met with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (
RIOC) to discuss issues of concern regarding the
Sportspark facility. Ms. Kleiman shares this report on her meeting with RIOC:
I am delighted to report that the meeting with RIOC was tremendously positive and productive! They listened to each and every issue, question, and suggestion we had with great concern, care and a committment to improving Sportspark! Matters of safety, hygeine, courtesy and consideration are being addressed, and a commitment was made to recify. All of our suggestions are being carefully considered, and we will see changes over the next several weeks and months for immediate concerns, and the next several years for longer range plans.
I have already seen positive changes, but more is needed to continue improvements. We will be following up with RIOC so please keep your constuctive concerns and suggestions coming!
The following is a recap of the issues that were discussed.
Immediate Concerns:
Improved Sanitary Conditions in the Locker Rooms
This is a two part issue;
- The facility is old, it looks dirty and broken down even after industrial strength cleaning. A major renovation would be required to fix this (more on this below).
- However, although I see some efforts to improve daily cleanliness, the locker rooms are still often dirty. Discussion with RIOC included the possibility of posting a cleaning schedule, but this has yet to be implemented. We look forward to improvements in this area.
Opening At Scheduled Time
As far as I can tell, major improvements have been made in terms of opening Sportspark on-time. Please let us know if you continue to experience delays in opening at the scheduled time.
Better Regulation of Air and Water Temperature (meaning the extremes)
The areas we discussed in terms of extremes in water and air temperature are;
- Not backwashing during open swim (in general) and
- Not opening doors and windows when it is so chilly that lifeguards are wearing warm up jackets
As far as I can tell, this has been rectified.
We did NOT discuss average daily pool temperature, nor did we discuss mechanical or human errors creating infrequent extremes in pool temperature. Some members of our group have expressed the desire to bring this up in a future meeting with RIOC.
Chemicals
RIOC said they would look into the amount and types of chemicals being used to see if any improvements need to be made. No word yet on the result of this inquiry.
Staff (rudeness by some)
RIOC said they would look into this. Please let us know if this continues to be a problem.
Rules Should be Enforced
RIOC said they would look into this. As far as I can tell some improvements have been made, but I've still seen inconsistencies.
Reconsideration of Pool Schedule due to changes in Island Population/Demographics
RIOC said they would consider this, however no word yet as to whether any scheduling changes will be implemented.
Improvements to Sportspark online system including readability, timely information, and online payments.
RIOC said this is currently being worked on, but no time frame was given.
Longer Range Concerns/Questions:
Plans for approximate 1 month closure for pool patching, timing, and related concerns. Barring the unforeseen this will be during a winter month.
Installation of additional space heater in Women’s and Men’s locker room. YES!
Possible Renovation of Locker Rooms. Currently in discussion stage, and will take several years for planning, approval, bidding, and implementation! We look forward to hearing more about these plans as they develop. RIOC board approval would be required, so we would see this in the RIOC Board meeting agenda on the Roosevelt Islander blog and in the WIRE in the future.
Are you a user of the Roosevelt Island Sportspark pool with concerns about how it is operated?
Contact Sportspark Users Group here.
