TOBAY Notebook: Beach and Pool Fees Remain at 2010 Levels

The cost of getting there not withstanding, going for a swim in the this summer won't cost any more than it did last year.

Town officials released the fee schedule for its recreational facilities and all of the beaches, pools and marinas are holding the line on fees at last year's prices.

That includes Oyster Bay's seven beaches: Charles E. Ransom, Stehli and Centre Island on Long Island Sound, (Centre Island is also on Oyster Bay) Theodore Roosevelt on Oyster Bay, Harry Tappen on Hempstead Harbor, Tobay on the Atlantic Ocean and Philip B Healey on South Oyster Bay. The cost of a seasonal parking sticker, good at all seven town-owned beaches, remains at $50. There are a variety of discounts available for seniors and others.

Non-residents pay much more and are limited in the times they can use town facilities.

Beach stickers go on sale Saturday, May 14, at Tobay and Theodore Roosevelt Beaches and John J. Burns Town Park.  Tobay, Centre Island, Healey and Theodore Roosevelt beaches open for weekends beginning Saturday, May 28. All beaches open for the season Saturday, June 25 and remain open through Monday, Sept. 5 (Labor Day.)

Meanwhile, family memberships at the town’s community park pools -- Bethpage, Marjorie R. Post in Massapequa, and Syosset-Woodbury -- are also remaining at 2010 prices. If you live in the park district, the family rate is $175. Non-park district residents pay $210. for a family. Individual memberships are available as well. The 2011 pool season runs from Saturday, June 25, through Labor Day.

Volunteers turn out to protect Tobay's sand dunes.

Speaking of the sand and sun, more than 1,100 people turned out for the annual efforts at Tobay beach on March 19. 

This is the 23rd consecutive year town residents turned out to plant native dune grass, which serves to maintain the integrity of the sand dunes, which are vital to preventing beach erosion and provide habitat for Long Island's shore birds.

“Without question, the Tobay Beach Dune Stabilization Project is one of the most successful examples of government and residents working together for a common cause, in this case helping to preserve the dunes,” said Supervisor John Venditto.

Venditto joined town board members Anthony D. Macagnone, Beth Faughnan and Rebecca M. Alesia; Town Clerk Steve Labriola and Receiver of Taxes James J. Stefanich on the dunes.

Town to host its first "Eggstravaganza'

A free Easter egg hunt, billed as the town's "Eggstravaganza," is scheduled for Saturday April 16 at Marjorie R. Post Community Park in Massapequa.

An egg hunt, petting zoo, spring crafts and games are planned as well as popcorn and cider. The Easter Bunny will be available for pictures, said Supervisor Venditto.

The rain-or-shine event is free and is scheduled from 1-4 p.m.  The Town’s web site, www.oysterbaytown.com has more information.

Concerns raised over garage hours.

Some residents have expressed concerns about the new hours of operation for the town's new parking garage in Hicksville. The lot is the same size as the old one that had to be demolished. It is also closed from midnight to 5 a.m. for maintenance, according to town officials. It is also closed on weekends.

That doesn't mean you can't retrieve your car if it's still in the lot after hours. Cars can get out anytime. They just can't enter except weekdays from 5 a.m. until midnight. During the prohibited hours, there is plenty of outdoor parking available near the LIRR station.  Town officials have cited cost considerations for the new schedule, as well as maintenance issues.