November 5, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 Waldwick Town seeks grant for children’s pool cover Waldwick’s children’s pool may be get- ting a canopy if the borough is successful in getting the county to fund its cost. The borough council last week approved submitting an application for $15,000 in grant funds from the Bergen County Open Space, Recreation, Farm- land & Historical Preservation Trust Fund for the project. The borough would have to match the grant from its own Open Space Trust, and would have to make up the difference if the total cost exceeded the estimates. If the grant is approved, a colorful 48 ft. by 48 ft. tri-sail shade supported by poles of different heights would be erected over the children’s pool and sur- rounding concrete patio to provide sun protection through the day. The structure would be able to withstand winds up to 90 mph and a live load including snow, but Mayor Thomas Giordano said it would be taken down once the pool closes for the season. Assistant Borough Administrator Andrew Tatarenko, who prepared the application, said the canvas canopy would cost about $15,600, with $800 estimated for the poles and $11,500 for installation. This must be done professionally to sat- isfy the borough’s insurance company. If the grant were to be approved, the struc- ture could perhaps be in place by the summer of 2016, he said. Tatarenko said the borough would find out the status of its application by June. Carol Shepard, the town’s public health A canopy similar to this may cover the chil- dren’s pool area nurse, supported the project. “Skin cancer is the fastest growing cancer. Any protection is highly desir- able,” she said during the public hearing on the application. Joanne Abbott of Duncan Street said she had brought the idea for the canopy to the governing body’s attention last year, and praised the council for follow- ing through. “Children are most susceptible to sun- burn, and they have the most sensitive skin,” she said, noting that she has three children under the age of 10. Resident Al Coldon said his dermatolo- gist had commented to him that suscepti- bility to melanoma begins when children are young. The council considered two options for its Open Space application before decid- ing on the canopy early last month, with the mayor casting the tie-breaking vote. The other option was a number of heavy duty outdoor fitness stations for adults which could have been installed along the walkway at Borough Park or in another designated area. “The sun beats down on the pool all day. We want to make sure our children are kept safe,” Giordano said at the time, noting that the few umbrellas now at the pool area are not enough. At that time, Councilman Frank Pal- ladino commented that the borough provides many amenities for children, including fields and playgrounds. He said the canopy would be used only three months a year, whereas the fitness equip- ment would be for adults and would get used year round. Councilman Anthony Celeste expressed concern that the exercise equipment would be vandalized by teens if it were installed out in the open. Borough Administrator Gary Kratz said that if the council felt strongly about the fitness equipment at a later date, it could appropriate the funds from its capi- tal budget.