| Author | Message | ||
     Flying_char Citizen Username: Flying_char Post Number: 157 Registered: 8-2005 |
Hey I was wondering if the pool ever had some "get-to-know-your neighbour" parties. I know in other towns, they have e.g float night where kids can brings bathing rings etc.? Do we have something like that? Could we have something like that? | ||
| peteglider Citizen Username: Peteglider Post Number: 2125 Registered: 8-2002 |
Oh please -- our pool staff is so stuck up it would never happen. Ever notice the clock runs almost 10 minutes fast? (I tried making the point by having the (•••'t?) pool manager look at her cell phone.) And the absurd new policy of closing the bathrooms at 7:45 (so effectively, to change and shower, you need to be out of the pool at 7:30). Personally, if there is ever a new BOT, I vote for all new pool managers as well. That said, have you ever had good & friendly service from the rec staff in this town? I don't know anyone who has... /p | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5817 Registered: 1-2004  |
Peter I did notice the clock runs fast. Never could figure out why! Did you say something to Paul? He usually will listen. I'm surprised anyone wants to use those smelly gross bathrooms anyway. Ick!  | ||
| Maryann Citizen Username: Maryann Post Number: 21 Registered: 2-2006 |
FLYING CHAR --I think your pool party ideas have merit. Two suggestons: 1. Consider discussing your ideas with Andy Brady. 2. Then, consider attending the next meeting of The Parks and Cultural Affairs Advisory Board to discuss your ideas further. PETE GLIDER -- Maybe you'd like to accompany Flying Char. It would give you an opportunity to air your complaints about the pool clock, the early bathroom closing time, staff rudeness, etc. And you might even be able to get some of these problems resolved... PIZZAZ -- What is the next meeting date for the Parks and Cultural Affairs Advisory Board ? | ||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 4122 Registered: 11-2001  |
It meets the third tuesday of each month at 7:30pm at Baird. It's a great idea, I think Flying Char should contact Andy as well. We have a Pool standing sub-committee and perhaps we can direct more attention to activities and community events at the pool in the future. | ||
| beezer Citizen Username: 3girls Post Number: 38 Registered: 3-2004 |
Pete, I'm with you . . . I have yet to meet a friendly, polite person working for the rec. dept. I cringe at the thought of having to call or go in person. Just today I was inquiring about the fall tennis lessons. Before I even got my entire sentence out the lady who answered the phone interrupted me saying "they're not online yet, they'll be up by early next week." I confirmed what she said and then said "okay, thank you" and I got some kind of grunt and she hung up. When getting our pool passes this year the gentleman helping us acted as if we were attacking him personally. I just don't get it - I could assume all different reasons why they are this way, but I'd settle for a friendly, polite demeanor instead. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4505 Registered: 5-2001  |
On the subject of suggestions for the pool: Yesterday I was down at a community pool in Ocean Twp. Every hour or so, they had "adult swim" for about 20 minutes and at the same time, a lifeguard had various activities for the kids outside of the pool (story time, arts & crafts, red light/green light/1-2-3, etc). It seemed to work very well for the kids AND the adults. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5820 Registered: 1-2004 |
We USE to have 'Adult Swims.' I think they stopped because the pool wasn't getting crowded enough to justify them anymore. My family also belong to the East Hanover Pool. The life guards there are very friendly. There are activites for the kids (not to the extent MHD describes though), not a ton of rules like South Orange, but at least the few rules they have are enforcd with a smile. The drawback is there is no snack bar. Just vending machines. When I was kid several times a week there was an activity at the pool. I think one of the problems is there are more people at the pool now then there were back then. I also think s number of the guards are reluctant to tell an adult not to be sitting on the steps, or the older bigger kids to stop horseplaying. I don't understand wht the problem is with some of these adults who sit there cloggng up the steps while their little darlings are swinging on the rails! Sometimes even saying 'Excuse me' doesn't help! | ||
| Montrose13 Citizen Username: Montrose13 Post Number: 42 Registered: 8-2004 |
Afew points here. A get to know your neighbor pool party is a terrific idea. As for the Rec staff and the pool staff--they are 2 different groups. Much of the rec staff has been onboard for quite awhile and their communication skills are not always great. However, I have witnessed villagers abusing the Rec Staff with uppity and downright nasty behavior. But I do agree that the rec staff could use some customer service training. On the other hand, the pool staff consists of local kids and most work at the pool anywhere from 1-4 years--so it turns over every year. Most of the kids are quite nice despite the fact they are harangued daily by villagers who don't believe the pool rules apply to them. When they ask kids to "walk don't run" etc. these kids just mouth off just like their parents. Ask the guards how many parents just leave their little ones unattended in the baby pool which is definitely against the rules. Sometimes, I am appalled at how my fellow villagers (young and old) treat the guards. Lastly, I know the pool used have to adult swim. You should talk to Paul about re-instituting it. | ||
| Nancy - LibraryLady Supporter Username: Librarylady Post Number: 3770 Registered: 5-2001  |
There was actually an adult swin last weekend I believe. It was great for the adults (i.e.ME) but the older kids went over to the medium pool and starting harrassing the littler ones. But the 9-17 year olds really had no other place to go. Re activities at the Pool: The South Orange Library in conjuction with the town Rec Department is hosting 2 Movie viewings and discussions this summer. The first, Crash, was screened at the Library on July 11 and talked about at the Pool on July 25th. August will bring us a viewing of MUNICH on August 8th (next Tuesday) at the library at 7pm. We will then meet in the cool shade of the pool on August 22 at 6pm to try and understand all the shades of meaning in the movie.. The Library's Children's Services will be running a storytime for kids 3 and up at the same time so that parents can join in the discussion while the kids are entertained.Pick up some dinner at the great snack bar (Freeman;s is the best!) and join us. This is just the beginning of joint activities between the two town departments. I am working on others as well. | ||
| Mozek Citizen Username: Mozek Post Number: 91 Registered: 4-2005 |
Nancy, Those activities sound great, but my hubby and I don't get home from work til 7 p.m. during the week. Could we try a book or movie discussion on a Saturday or Sunday next year? | ||
| Amateur Night Citizen Username: Deborahg Post Number: 1928 Registered: 5-2001  |
Another thought -- I knew of a town that had "Dive In" movies, where the screen was set up by the pool and you could float around while you watched. tons of fun. | ||
| Amateur Night Citizen Username: Deborahg Post Number: 1929 Registered: 5-2001 |
First featue: Aquamarine! | ||
| Maryann Citizen Username: Maryann Post Number: 22 Registered: 2-2006 |
Flying Char, Pete Glider, JTA, -- Just a thought... Do any nearby municipal swimming pools have "pool parties" ? How about interviewing some of their recreation personnel for details? | ||
| helen Citizen Username: Helen Post Number: 78 Registered: 2-2005 |
Hi! This is Helen from Freeman's. We run the concession/snack bar at the SO Pool. I was just wondering if you could tell me what the get-to-know-your-neighbors party might be like. We have hosted several parties at the Maplewood Pool as well as a movie night. If it sounds like it's easy enough, and we get permission, we could possibly host something like that. Let me know the details or what you envision that would make it a successful event. Thanks! | ||
| Flying_char Citizen Username: Flying_char Post Number: 189 Registered: 8-2005  |
Hi Helen I was thinking something where everybody were allowed to bring floats. There is that big grass lawn, maybe something could be sat up there - tables with food and drinks. The pool could stay open to e.g 10 pm and you could get volunters to help hanging up little lamps or even oil lamps ( I don't know the English word for those) We could get a DJ and have music, again there is plenty of space so... Movie night Is a Great idea too. I would def. go!!! |
