In a letter today on the Village of Babylon Facebook Page, Mayor Scordino announced that the Gilbert C. Hanse Village of Babylon Municipal Pool will remain closed for the season.

The Mayor explained that that he and board do not feel that they can operate the pool in a manner that is safe for both guests and employees in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

As disappointed as we all might feel in this decision, I think we all have to agree that is the correct one. New York is one of the few states that has gotten the pandemic somewhat under control, but the rest of the country is experiencing an explosion in cases.

We’ll have to enjoy this Summer in our backyards and at the beaches. Hopefully there will be a vaccine or treatment soon and we can all meet at the pool next Summer.

Text Of the letter From Mayor Scordino and the board

To all our Babylon Village Residents: As we all know, the “jewel” of our community is our Gilbert C. Hanse Village of Babylon Municipal Pool. On June 4th, 2020, we had announced and with the guidance from New York State, that our Village pool would not be opening for the 2020 season. However, as we have seen going through this pandemic, guidance and restrictions have constantly changed.

Early in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, city and municipal pools in New York State were not opening according to the guidance issued by the State of New York. Within the last 30 days, Governor Cuomo announced that pools could open and it was up to each individual municipality to make their own decision while following the guidance set forth by the State of New York. Although New York State gave the approval to open public pools and spray parks, the restrictions that were outlined for safe openings make it nearly impossible to safely open pools.

After much consideration and deliberation, we unfortunately do not believe that we can make our Village pool available for residents to enjoy this summer in a manner that is safe for both our residents and employees and be in compliance with the guidance of New York State. In addition, there could be legal and insurance ramifications to opening the pool under the conditions and requirements. Therefore, our Village of Babylon pool will not be opening for the 2020 season.

Please understand that this decision to not open our “jewel on the bay” is a difficult one. A significant amount of time and deliberation was spent as well as consulting with professionals before coming to this decision. In the end, this decision was made in the best interests of the health and safety of all our Babylon Village residents and employees.

Tile work, marble dusting and maintenance that is needed will continue at the Village pool. As this summer is going to be certainly different from the others that we have enjoyed, and although the Town pools and spray parks will be closed as well, remember our beautiful Town beaches that are open and certainly our Village parks, playgrounds and tennis courts. Be sure to enjoy our downtown restaurants and shops. Remember to follow the guidelines of social distancing and facial coverings.

We thank you in advance for your understanding. We as a community have gotten through difficult times and weathered plenty of storms. We are Babylon Village and together we will get through these difficult times for our families and children. Please stay safe and stay healthy.

On this holiday weekend, may God bless you and your families, may He bless the Village of Babylon and continue to bless the United States of America!

Sincerely,

Mayor Ralph Scordino
Deputy Mayor Kevin Muldowney
Trustee Tony Davida
Trustee Mary Adams
Trustee Robyn Silvestri