Greetings, Preserve Graydon supporters—well over 1,000 of us in three short months!
With autumn upon us, we happily recall the 2009 swimming season, which boasted the cleanest water Graydon had seen in years. Our Coalition is working hard to make sure Graydon remains intact for our community’s enjoyment in the summers to come.
Our goal is to maintain and improve Graydon through minimally invasive measures that retain its extraordinarily large open sand-bottomed swimming area surrounded by beaches—an ideal summer gathering place.
Current efforts center around research and building awareness. In its brief 3 months of existence, the Coalition has researched and shared with the community and Council extensive information on matters related to Graydon. Our group has communicated with experts in water quality and safety, the environment, and the discouragement of geese. Many aspects of “plake” (pool + lake) swimming have been discussed with lifeguards, engineers, the Graydon manager, and more. On September 9 we gave a major presentation before the Council with a turnout of cheering supporters deemed “historic” by the Ridgewood News.
Highlights of our findings:
Graydon’s water is safe and clean. Unlike concrete pools that recycle the same water all summer, requiring the addition of more and more chemicals to keep it clean, Graydon’s water is replenished naturally by springs. During the swimming season the water is tested weekly by an independent state-licensed laboratory. Results consistently find the water quality equal to that of a concrete pool. These test reports are available from the Village’s Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Health. In the summer, they can be viewed at the lifeguard manager’s office. Additional testing is done routinely on site. This past summer, water quality improved noticeably. It will continue to do so as a result of two new aerators that will join the existing one next spring, creating a triangular effect known to be highly effective. In addition, the water is lightly treated as needed with sodium hypochlorite. Further improvements in water quality can be achieved in a cost-effective and environmentally sound manner. No multi-million-dollar concrete pool is needed for better results. Water safety demands vigilance. Statistical data and the testimony of lifeguards and other experts show that there is nothing intrinsically safer about concrete pools, which tend to involve many accidents. Wherever our children swim, we must watch them closely when they are in the water. Graydon is a multifaceted facility that would lose a great deal if replaced by a smaller concrete pool. Its large size provides a fine venue for kayaking, Red Cross swimming lessons, and day camp. Our children benefit by experiencing the delights of sand/water play. Graydon is part of our community’s ecosystem. Located in a floodplain, Graydon absorbs excess water naturally in the event of heavy rains and flooding.
Join us in preserving the beach in our back yard:
Sign our petition asking the Council not to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) that would invite proposals to build a concrete pool until all possible ways to keep Graydon Graydon have been carefully considered and, as appropriate, tried.
Send a note to the Council urging them to maintain this unique community asset.
Visit our website for information and wonderful photographs of Graydon at its irresistible best.
In the days to come you’ll receive exciting news about what’s next for the Coalition. Watch this space!
Swimmingly,
Suzanne Kelly and Marcia Ringel, Co-Chairs
The Preserve Graydon Coalition, Inc., a nonprofit corporation
“It’s clear—we love Graydon!”
