Roosevelt Island Marlins And Island Kids Host First Splash-A-Palooza Swim Class For RI Moms And Babies - Register Now For Upcoming Baby Marlins Summer Weekend Classes

The Roosevelt Island Marlins Swim Team Reports:

Splash-a-Palooza Makes Its First Splash at Sportspark!

Roosevelt Island Swim team and Island Kids hosted the first annual Splash-a-Palooza at the Sportspark pool last Sunday, July 17th. We had great time with the moms and babies from Island Kids toddler group! Young swimmers had an opportunity to practice basic water skills and have fun playing with toys, bubbles and flotation devices.

Families, interested in helping their children explore the aquatic environment and socialize with each other, are welcome to register for Roosevelt Island Swim Team’s 30 minute “BABY MARLINS” summer classes at Sportspark pool – 9am on Saturdays and Sundays. $15 per class. Pre-registration is required. Visit and select “Summer Season” tab for more information.

More information available on the Roosevelt Island Marlins Swim Team and Island Kids at their web sites.

Roosevelt Island Marlins Swim Team And Island Kids Team Up For Splash-A-Palooza Toddler Sensory Water Activities And Safety Class Sunday July 17 - Space Limited, Sign Up Now

 Image of 2013 Roosevelt Island Sportspark Toddler Swim Program

According to the Roosevelt Island Marlins Swim Team:

Roosevelt Island Swim Team partners up with Island Kids for a Sunday, July 17th, 9am Splash-A-Palooza!

Marlins invite Island Kids toddler group to SportsPark pool for a FREE session of sensory water activities and "Mommy & Me" water safety class with our certified instructors.

Space is limited.

RSVP to rimarlinsteam@gmail.com to sign up.

More on the Roosevelt Island Marlins Swim Team.

Roosevelt Island Little Guppies Sportspark Swim Class For Ages 3-6 Starts Sunday October 11 - Registration Deadline Friday October 9

Lil' Guppie Image From Yelp

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Coordinator Eva Bosbach reports:

Many of you asked for affordable follow-up swim classes to the Parent & Me program that would be offered for the next age group and directly by RIOC again. We have been in discussions with RIOC about this for quite a while and I am happy to forward to you below an announcement from the Sportspark Manager today about the new classes starting this Sunday. If you wish to preregister to secure your spot, the deadline is this Friday, October 9, at 5pm.

On of the nice things about these classes is that if you have a younger sibling the children can participate in a swim program at the same time - the younger one with the parent or caregiver in the water in the Parent & Me class ($5 per session for pre-registered Island families, slightly more for drop-ins and off-islanders) and the older one in the Little Guppies swim class by him/herself ($10 per session for preregistered RI children). Thank you RIOC!

Happy swimming :),

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Below is the announcement from the RIOC Sportspark Manager:

New swim program, registration for the October- November session of Little Guppies water swim class is now available online. Classes are planned to take place on Sunday, October 11th, until the week of November 22nd. For more information or to register online, Visit http://rioc.recdesk.com and click on"Program Registration." Enrollment end date will be on Friday, October 9th, at 5 PM. If you have any questions please email Eddie.Perez@rioc.ny.gov

Note* The instructor will be in the water with the kids, parents are no longer needed to assist in the program.

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Little Guppies registration page:

Little guppies are mastering the ability to move themselves through the water. With the aid of swim bubbles and noodles, guppies are learning about breath control, proper arm and leg movements, buoyancy and deep water exploration. Resident rates are $80 per session ($10/class) or $12 drop-in. Non-resident rates are $120 per session ($15/class) or $17 drop-in.

A minimum of four participants must register by the enrollment end date in order for the class to take place. Participants must provide proof of residency to qualify for residents rates.

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network And RIOC Work Together To Continue Baby And Toddler Swim Classes At Sportspark Pool - Registration Deadline For "Mommy & Me" January 23rd

 Image of 2013 Roosevelt Island Sportspark Toddler Swim Program

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Coordinator Eva Bosbach reports:

The registration deadline – January 23rd – for the next session of the Baby and Toddler swim classes at Sportspark is approaching. These lovely and fun classes are for children 6 months to 3 years of age and their caregivers. Classes are offered at four different times:

• Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m.,
• Sunday mornings at 11 a.m.,
• and Sunday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

A minimum of six families must register for a given time in order for the class to be offered. Classes run from February 1st to March 22nd and cost $5 per class (or $7 drop-in) for island residents and $10 ($12 drop-in) for non–residents.

Please let your friends know about this great offer!

Click here to register.

We would like to thank RIOC for working with us and continuing these popular swim classes for Babies and toddlers as well as addressing concerns about the temperature of the water and air at Sportspark. We highly appreciate the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp's (RIOC) commitment to keeping the exit door in the pool area closed at all times and to mounting temporary heaters inside the women's locker room until a new permanent heating system is installed. We also thank RIOC for adding a class at a time that our internal survey showed as the most convenient for interested island families. Thank you RIOC!

Remember, deadline to register is Friday January 23 so sign up here.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Street & Motorgate Parking Rates Going Up, Tram Elevator RFP Issued, Mommy & Me Swim Class Registration, Bike NY Spring Kickoff Party, Octagon Tennis Resurfacing & More

Image of New Roosevelt Island Parking Meter on West Channel Road

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato sends the following report to the community.

Now that temperatures are stable, work is moving forward quickly on the Island’s capital projects. RIOC and its partners are also bringing more community events and classes for kids and adults to the Island. Bike New York will be hosting a Spring Kickoff Party next weekend, and registration for the next session of Mommy & Me classes is available now. To stay informed about events, classes, construction and other Island-specific information, you can sign up for RIOC Advisories at  rioc.ny.gov/advisorybody.htm.

Many thanks are due to the artists who painted murals at the 2013 Fall for Arts Festival, whose work is now on display at the Motorgate Gallery (628 Main St.). Thanks as well to all who came out to celebrate, especially to the RIVAA Gallery for curating the show and hosting attendees after the opening.

Main Street and Motorgate Garage Parking Rates

Drivers are advised that beginning Monday, May 12, new rates will be in effect for existing short-term parking spaces on Main Street as well as on the East and West Roads. All parking meters will be updated with a rate of $0.50 per 15 minutes Monday through Saturday. There will be no charge for parking on Sunday. Signs will be posted on parking meters and near all affected parking to advise drivers of time limits and the fare change.

New parking rates for non-resident and daily parking at the Motorgate Garage will also be going into effect shortly. Beginning June 1, 2014, rates for daily parking will be $6.76 for up to one hour, with a maximum of $20.27 per twenty-four hour period. Rates for cars owned by non-residents will be changed one month later on July 1. These new rates are posted at the Garage to notify patrons of the facility. If you have any questions about parking in Motorgate, you may call 212-832-4585 with any inquiries.

Tram Elevator RFP

The process to design and build two new elevators at the Manhattan Tram Station continues to move forward. A Request for Proposals was issued on April 28, with responses due by May 28. This RFP requires a contractor to design, build and install two entirely new elevators and elevator shafts. The existing elevator will be replaced and the red passenger lift currently located at the station will be replaced by a new ADA-compliant elevator. The replacement of the elevators is a high priority for us right now, and we are determined to deliver a system that will serve both residents and visitors smoothly and efficiently. To that end, we will evaluate all proposals carefully and select the best contractor for the job. We will continue to do all we can to lessen the impact on the community throughout the process.

Octagon Tennis Courts

Last Monday, contractors were pouring concrete at the Octagon Tennis Courts to create new supports for the tennis net posts. The concrete requires two to three weeks to cure properly, during which time no work can be performed on the site. This period of time was planned out in the original construction schedule and will not delay the reopening of the Courts. Contractors will resume work once the concrete has cured completely, keeping the project on schedule to reopen at the end of June.

Bike New York’s Spring Kickoff Party

Next Saturday, May 17, the Bike New York Spring Kickoff Party will take place from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Capobianco basketball court on Roosevelt Island. We hope that you will join in at this family-friendly community celebration of bike month and the start of the bicycling season on Roosevelt Island. Activities will include a Learn to Ride Kids class, pop-up bike shop, free bicycle raffle, face painting, bike decorating, a ride around the island and more. This event is free and open to the public. For more information on this event or to learn more about Bike New York is bringing to Roosevelt Island, please contact cgoodspeed@bikenewyork.org.

Mommy & Me Registration

Following a successful 8 weeks of Mommy & Me Water Safety classes, we are pleased to open registration for the May – June session of classes. Classes will take place on Sunday and Wednesday mornings from the week of May 18th until the week of July 6th, with makeup classes on the week of July 13th. Classes are $5/class for residents who pre-register, and $7/class for residents who drop-in. Spaces are limited to 13 children per class on a first come, first served basis. Visit our Parks and Recreation website at rioc.recdesk.com for more information, to register, or to look at our full calendar of classes and programs. If you have any questions or if you prefer to register in person, please email Eddie.Perez@rioc.ny.gov or call (212) 832-4569.

Roosevelt Island Mommy & Me Swim Class Online Registration Deadline March 12 Says RIOC - Sign Up Now If Interested

 Image From RIOC

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Reminder: Online registration for the March-May session of Mommy & Me Water Safety classes ends tomorrow, March 12, 2014. Visit http://rioc.recdesk.com to sign up! Time slots that do not meet the minimum amount of participants (6 families) will be subject to cancellation or will be combined with another class. The four available time slots are listed below:

Sundays at 11:00 AM or 11:30 AM: March 16 - May 4, makeup date May 11.
Wednesdays at 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM: March 19 - May 7, makeup date May 14.

With preregistration, resident rates are $5/class (total: $40). Drop in rate: $7. Non-resident rates are $10/class with preregistration, or $12 to drop in. If you have any questions or if you prefer to register in person, please email Eddie.Perez@rioc.ny.gov or call (212) 832-4569.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Spring Construction Projects Begin For West Pier, Good Shepherd Streetscape, Octagon Tennis Resurfacing, Lighthouse Park Footbridges, Tram Station Painting & More

Image of 2012 Summer West Pier With Restaurant from Judy Berdy

Image of West Pier During 2012 Hurricane Sandy

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato sends the following report to the community.

This Winter, heavy snow and freezing temperatures have kept our staff busy plowing the roads, clearing the sidewalks and maintaining the Island’s facilities during the harsh weather conditions. As the weather begins to warm up, we’re getting ready for work to move forward on new and existing capital projects. Our Grounds Department has already begun preparations for the athletic fields to re-open in early April, a new session of Mommy & Me classes is beginning soon, and other activities on the Island are picking up. We are looking forward to a warm and productive Spring on Roosevelt Island.

Spring Construction Projects

Work resumed last Friday on the West Pier after a wave of cold and snowy weather. Weather permitting, construction on the Pier is projected to be completed by the beginning of April 2014.

At the Good Shepherd Community Center, the ceiling and doors of the northern section of the west entryway are undergoing restoration off-site. Restoration architects and the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission are reviewing samples of the proposed rehabilitation work to ensure its quality. The work, which is projected to be completed before Fall 2014, will also include cleaning and restoration of the entrances’ walls and lighting.

Two meetings regarding the Good Shepherd Streetscape project have been conducted with the community, during which designs for the plantings and positioning of the benches were finalized. An RFP for the work will be issued upon the completion of the final construction drawings. We would like to extend our thanks to the community for their valuable input during this process and are looking forward to the next phase of this project.

April will mark the beginning of several important construction projects. The Octagon Tennis Courts will be resurfaced, work will begin on the Lighthouse Park footbridges, the sidewalks near the Roosevelt Island Tram Station will be repaired, and the Tram stations themselves will be repainted. While all of these developments are scheduled to begin in the first week of April, the work is weather-sensitive and will require warm temperatures to proceed. We will continue to keep the community updated as work progresses.

Eight responses to the Cultural Center’s construction Request for Proposals were received by the submission deadline (February 28). RIOC is currently evaluating the responses and beginning the rating and ranking process. A contractor will be selected and construction will begin within the next few months.

In mid-to-late March, a crane will be transported by barge to the Riverwalk Building 7 construction site. While the crane is being moved onto the Island, the East promenade will be closed for approximately half a day. An advisory will be issued to notify the public of the specific time and date of this closure.

Mommy & Me

Registration for the March-May session of Mommy & Me Water Safety classes is available online at RIOC’s new Parks & Recreation website http://rioc.recdesk.com. With the assistance of a parent or guardian, participants aged six months to three years will learn basic swimming skill sets that include submersions, blowing bubbles underwater and movement in the water. Classes are available on Sunday and Wednesday mornings – check online for times and other details. This 8-week session runs from the week of March 16 to the week of May 4, with makeup classes during the week of May 11. While four time slots are currently available, each time slot must have a minimum of 6 families preregistered in order for that class to take place. There is a maximum of 13 families per class. Online enrollment ends this coming Wednesday, March 12 – any classes that do not meet the minimum amount of participants will be combined with another time slot. If you have any questions or if you prefer to register in person, please email Eddie.Perez@rioc.ny.gov or call (212) 832-4569.

Red Bus Fares

As a reminder, the Red Bus will be free to ride beginning April 1. The decision to eliminate the fare was made in order to encourage the use of mass transit, keep traffic on Main Street moving as a result of faster boarding times, and to reduce operating costs by eliminating the need to collect fares from the buses. If you have a fare change card, please be advised that March is the last month these cards will be accepted on the bus. Once the fare is eliminated, refunds for any unused value remaining on the cards will be available at the RIOC Bus Garage (680 Main Street) until April 30, 2014.

NYC Health & Hospitals Corp Tells RIOC That Roosevelt Island Steam Plant Will Close March 31 - RIOC Tells Residents Temporary Sportspark Boiler Will Be In Place By Closure Date If Not Sooner And Take No More Than 7 Days To Install

As reported last January:

... Concerns have been expressed recently by some Roosevelt Island residents regarding the closing, even temporary, of the Sportspark facility when the Steam Plant closes...

and October 2013:

... RIOC Director Howard Polivy and President Charlene Indelicato reported that the Roosevelt Island Sportspark facility

Sportspark Image From Google Maps

may have to temporarily close ... because of the scheduled closing of the Steam Plant.

 Image Of Roosevelt Island Steam Plant

Mr. Polivy explained that the Steam Plant supplies power to the Sportspark and without the Steam Plant, or, a substitute energy source, the Sportspark cannot operate....

The issue of the NYC Health & Hospitals Corp (see Page 6 of HHC Capital Committee Report) closing the Roosevelt Island Steam Plant and RIOC installing temporary heating for Sportspark was discussed during the February 20 meeting of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee (audio web cast here). During that meeting it was reported that a temporary heating solution would be installed by the end of February.



RIOC President Charlene Indelicato later clarified that the Sportspark temporary boiler would be installed by the end of February, weather permitting. If weather was a problem,  Ms. Indelicato reported that the installation would be completed no later than the end of March and Sportspark will not be closed more than a week for the temporary boiler installation.

Ms. Indelicato told the Board Directors that March 31 is the date NYC has told RIOC



that the Steam Plant will be closed though she added that NYC Health & Hospitals Corp has been constantly shifting the final date of the Steam Plant closing.

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network And RIOC Work Together To Continue Mommy & Me Swim Classes At Sportspark In 2014 - Classes Start This Sunday

The Roosevelt Island Parents' Network (RIPN) together with the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee persuaded the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) to continue the Mommy & Me Baby/Toddler Swim Classes at Sportspark starting in January 2014.

RIPN Coordinator Eva Bosbach reports:

We are happy to announce  that swim classes at Sportspark for children 6 months to 3 years old start again this Sunday January 12 with two classes beginning at 11 and 11:30 AM.

You can register for the entire 8 week program or drop-in for any single class.

The formerly held 10:30 and 11AM Wednesday classes may continue as well if there is enough interest. If you would like to participate in either of the classes, please email me for further information: eva.bosbach@gmail.com

We would like to thank RIOC for continuing these popular and much needed classes for the community as well as RIRA President Ellen Polivy and Island Services Committee  Chair Aaron Hamburger for their support.

RIOC adds:

Mommy & Me water safety classes at Sportspark will be continuing during January and February. Sunday classes will be taking place at 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM beginning January 12, 2014 and ending March 2, 2014. For residents who pre-pay for the session, the fee will remain $5 per class (a total of $40). Payment can be made by check, cash or money order at Sportspark (250 Main St.) on or before January 12, 2014. Families who are interested can contact Eddie Perez (Eddie.Perez@rioc.ny.gov).
The rates are as follows:

Resident Fee: $40/session (at $5/class), $7/drop-in
Non-Resident Fee: $80/session (at $10/class), $12/drop-in

Roosevelt Island Sportspark Swim Classes For Toddlers As Well As Kids 3 years And Over

Image of Roosevelt Island Sportspark Toddler Swim Program

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network coordinator Eva Bosbach reports that the swim classes for children at Sportspark provided by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp  (RIOC) are now also available on a drop-in basis (no registration needed), and include new classes for children of age 3 years and up. According to Ms. Bosbach:

Children 6 to 36 months:

For an amazing $5 per class per family, join us for fun in the (warm!) water, including basic swim skills, songs, floating, splashing, games and more. Classes are offered every Wednesday at 10.30 and 11am and every Sunday at 11 and 11.30am and run until Dec 18th/22nd. Please bring a swim diaper and a bathing suit for your child and a swim cap for yourself as well as a lock for the locker. Classes are taught by Ryan Sherrill.

To access the pool with a stroller, it is best to go around the Tram station on the Queens side, make a right under the bridge and another right, to get between the basketball court and the swimming pool building. The door will be on your left. If you are coming from further up on the island, you can take the south bound red bus and let the driver know after the Tram stop that you would like to get off at the next stop, Sportspark's swimming pool. You will be right at the door.

You can register and pre-pay for the rest of the classes to secure your spot, or just join on a drop-in basis. The classes are not full and not restricted to RI residents, so feel free to bring friends and forward this information.

Children 3 years and up:

Discounted learn to swim classes for children ages 3 years and up are offered by the swim and aqua aerobics instructor from Sportspark, Ryan Sherrill, on Saturday afternoons 3-4pm. The cost is $15 for drop-in or $100 for a 10-week course. Ryan also offers semi private and one-on-one classes as well as swimming lessons for people of all ages (learn to swim or improve your skills). For questions or to register, call or e-mail Ryan at 917.261.7761 or ryansherrill84@gmail.com .

Thank you RIOC. 

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network And RIOC Work Together To Bring Back Mommy & Me Swim Classes To Sportspark

Image of Roosevelt Island Sportspark Toddler Swim Program

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

We are pleased to announce the return of Mommy & Me Water Safety Classes to Sportspark! Mommy & Me classes teach the basics of swimming to children aged 6 months to 3 years alongside their parents. The online registration period has ended, but there are still spaces available! If you're interested in signing up for classes, please visit http://rioc.ny.gov/MAMClass.htm for more information.

We'll see you at the pool!

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Roosevelt Island Parents Network Advocacy Adds More Baby and Toddler Swimming Classes At Sportspark - Good Job By Parents And RIOC

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council Member and head of the RI Parents Network Eva Bosbach reports on the expansion of the baby and toddler swimming program at Sportspark.

 Roosevelt Island 2012 Baby Swim Class

According to Dr. Bosbach

After two years of advocacy by the Roosevelt Island Parents’ Network, consisting of more than 220 families, RIOC started swimming classes for babies and toddlers at Sportspark last spring. The affordability ($5 per class), together with the possibility to join on a drop-in basis – a firm commitment for a whole program is often difficult with small children – made it possible for many Island parents to join the classes with their children. Between 15 and 22 families attended every Wednesday morning at 10:30. Because of the day and time, those classes could usually be attended only by stay-at-home parents.

Later this year, after another advocacy effort and supplying RIOC with a list of preregistered families and preferred time slots, we were happy to report that RIOC added classes that can be attended more easily by working parents as well. First, RIOC set up two 30-minute classes on Sundays at 11:00 and 11:30 a.m. and, later, a third class at 10:30 a.m., based on the high demand. Each time slot can accommodate up to 13 families and, so far, they have been full or almost full. Please come join us at Sportspark on Sundays at one of these times until Labor Day, provided that your child is between 6 and 36 months of age.

On behalf of the Roosevelt Island Parents’ Network, I would like to thank RIOC for making it possible for us, in an affordable and uncomplicated way, to teach our children to swim and to like the water right here on Roosevelt Island. We would especially like to thank Donald Lewis, Steven Chironis, and Eddie Perez, who helped to establish the classes at Sportspark, as well as instructor Kenneth Ryan Sherrill, who is doing a great job both inside and outside the water. Another thank-you goes to Aaron Hamburger and the RIRA Island Services Committee for their help and support. We hope that, in the future, it will be possible to keep both a weekday and a weekend class running to meet the diverse demands of our Island community. Thank you, RIOC!

RIOC Adds Another Roosevelt Island Mommy & Me Baby/Toddler Swim Class At Sportspark - Arrive Early To Sign Up For 13 Class Spots, Pre-Registration Policy In Future

Reported last March that after a two year advocacy effort, the Roosevelt Island Parents Network helped to establish a Toddler Swimming Program at Sportspark.

Image of Roosevelt Island Sportspark Toddler Swim Program

Due to its great demand by Roosevelt Island parents, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) has added more Toddler Swimming Classes at Sportspark. According to RIOC:

Due to an increase in demand, an additional Mommy and Me swim class has been added to the current schedule at the Sportspark facility (250 Main Street). In addition to the 11 AM AND 11:30 AM class on Sundays, a 10:30 AM class will also be offered with a class limit of 13 parents beginning Sunday, July 21st. Participants are encouraged to arrive early to sign-up for each class. In the interim, RIOC is working on new registration procedures which will include pre-registration and varied rates for residents and non-residents. A notification will be provided once the new policy is implemented.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

UPDATE 7/22 - The age group for the Swim Class is 6 to 36 months.

Roosevelt Island Baby/Toddler Swim Program Starting April 3 At Sportspark - Nearly 2 Years Of Effort Brings Success To RI Parents Network

 Roosevelt Island 2012 Baby Swim Class

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council Member and head of the RI Parents Network Eva Bosbach reports on the success of a long time group effort to start a toddler swimming program at Sportspark. According to Dr. Bosbach:

I am very happy to finally report success: We are getting Baby/toddler swim classes at Sportspark, after almost 2 years of effort, starting in April! :).

The baby/toddler swim class will start on April 3rd, for 10 weeks, Wednesdays 10.30-11.30 AM. The cost is $5 per family on a drop-in basis for an age group from 6 to 36 months. The class is a Mommy and me water class and will include getting comfortable with the water, songs, dipping, floating, splashing, games and more.

A big thank you to all who helped me to make this happen, namely Gabby who started putting everything together and talking to RIOC Sportspark representatives, to Erin, Susy and all the other moms who went to Sportspark or called, to everyone who provided swim instructor contacts, and to Mitchi for putting everybody's information in the sheet and helping me with the organization.

I am looking forward to seeing you in the water next week! :).

Just drop in at Sportspark for the Roosevelt Island Baby Swim Class.