FBF Pool, Please!

Dear Editor:

Aren’t public lands for the public? It seems the government likes to own land but doesn’t like to maintain it or let the public use it. That’s about to change.

The Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Park Conservancy is asking for proposals for the two (2) derelict hangars at Floyd Bennett Field that have yet to be refurbished. The communities surrounding that area need an Olympic size pool to teach our children and adults how to swim and dive, train lifeguards, host competitive swimming events, provide a swimming resource open to the public, and in the event NYC hosts the Olympics, here is the spot for swimming and diving events.

Floyd Bennett Field is the perfect spot. It’s accessible by public transportation, is close to the Belt Parkway, close to airports, and has tons of land to accommodate parking for buses and large numbers of cars.

From an environmental view, the water should be filtered and pumped from Jamaica Bay and studies done on our beautiful bay. Enjoyment of the bay could be enhanced by kayak, small boats and jet ski launches. In short it could become a magnificent water resource for our city by funding from the federal, state and city.

Let your voice be heard! Use the QR code here or contact Terri Carta at terri@jbrpc.org. A note or phone call to our elected officials would also be helpful. If you don’t ask, you don’t get!

Maureen Walsh