Nu-Finmen: Teaching Swimming & Lifeskills

What some may deem a breakdown in communication between the Parks Department and the Community, the under-utilization of the swimming pools in Hempstead can only be considered our fault in not taking advantage of facilities available to us.

The main pool at the Kennedy Park Pool facility.

Robert Trotman, head coach and founder of Nu-Finmen Swimming, has been actively involved over 40 years with Hempstead youth. He first came to work with disadvantaged youth in the schools, but he quickly discovered there were outdoor facilities at Kennedy Memorial Park and Lincoln Memorial Park. Now, after coaching the Village of Hempstead swim team more than 30 years—winning over 10 county championships and seeing hundreds of children in his program graduate high school—he feels that swimming is essential to Hempstead. Although it is not one of the premier sports, it offers many benefits like disciplined training, summer employment, college scholarships, and a chance for the elite swimmer to become professional. Trotman says, “Their disciplined work ethic translates into their academics as well.”

Most of the team members began in the Learn-to-Swim program given each year at the Kennedy Memorial Park Pool. In remembering the pool twenty years ago, it was seldom found empty. However, in recent years the pool attendance has waned; and it’s seen fewer visitors each year. As a result, the pools at Lincoln Memorial Park were closed after the summer of 2010. When asked about using the pools, there are many residents who admit to using other facilities like Nassau Co. Aquatic Center at Eisenhower Park and Echo Park Pool instead.  In fact, some are unaware the pools even exist.  The pools in Hempstead stand out – unmatched for its pristine waters and clean facilities. They are jewels we should pride ourselves in and endeavor to preserve.

So on a hot summer day, remember that you have a pool in your backyard where there is lots of cool fun in the sun.  Kennedy Park Pool opens in late June. The Learn-to-Swim program for children and for adults begins in July and runs through mid-August. The Registration fee is $40.