Merrick Estates Civic Association gears up for 65th summer of fun

The Merrick Estates Civic Association’s community center on Shore Drive has remained an integral part of the community for nearly 65 years. Boasting a private pool, play areas, beach volleyball courts, additional sporting facilities and views of the East Bay, MECA takes pride in the class and relaxation it offers South Shore residents.

Over the years, the beloved spot for many has evolved into what it has become today: a summer haven.

“When it was originally founded, in the clubhouse peninsula, if you were in a certain proximity, you were a bond holder for the pool,” Geoffrey Sherman, the association’s president, explained. “That’s sort of changed over the years, and now it’s a membership-type club. People can join, and then go to the pool.”

While many MECA members live in the immediate area, Sherman said it’s expanded greatly. There’s no rule that says you need to live in Merrick to join, and plenty of members come from Bellmore and surrounding areas.

A board that is elected on a yearly basis runs MECA.

The summer season kicks off unofficially during Memorial Day weekend, which will be the first time the pool is open in 2024. After that, through the end of the school year, the association follows the school calendar — meaning the pool will be open during weekends in June, and for holidays like Juneteenth, Sherman said.

Over the last five years, some significant changes have allowed MECA to expand beyond its immediate peninsula around Shore Drive. Renovations to the facility’s bathrooms, a revamp of the pools and the installation of a beverage center, among other things, have boosted the appeal of the recreational center.

The time period leading up to Memorial Day is what MECA considers its enrollment period, Sherman said.

“We’re sort of in that enrollment phase when people are deciding what they’re doing for their summers,” he said. “But MECA is thriving. It’s really grown over the years in popularity. A lot of young families have recently moved into the area, which is definitely helping.”

MECA is completely volunteer-run, although it does work with a pool management company that handles the hiring of roles such as maintenance workers and lifeguards, among other positions.

Throughout the summer, pool users not only enjoy plenty of time to swim during the day, but also a variety of social events and activities that are planned by the board. For major holiday weekends, like Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day, MECA holds barbecues.

And a major bonus of being a member happens right at the beginning of the season, Sherman said.

“We actually have one of the best views of the Jones Beach air show,” he explained. “Especially when they practice, they come right over us. It’s pretty cool.”

And all summer long, social gatherings are held for not only adults, but children as well.

“We do a lot of kids’ activities,” Sherman said, “so things like painting and bracelet making, all that kind of stuff, where we bring in people, neighborhood businesses that are local, who come in and provide that.”

Last year, MECA participated in the Kindness Rocks Project, a grassroots movement that aims to spread joy and compassion. Children painted rocks and put kind sayings on them, which were later spread around the grounds and garden at MECA.

In addition, many musicians stop by MECA on a regular basis, and a handful of movie nights are held under the stars.

Some discussion has focused on possibly expanding the community center to accommodate yearlong events, but as of now, MECA’s board is solely focused on the summer months. Sherman said that outside of pool season, a lot goes on behind the scenes as the board prepares for the following year.

MECA is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily throughout July and August. Any scheduled events in the evening begin normally at 8 p.m. Members are allowed to bring guests into the pool for a small fee, but there are certain days that are blocked out on the calendar, Sherman said.

This season, returning members can look forward to new fencing, a revamped kiddie pool and new diving boards. A brand-new water filtration system was also installed, Sherman said, so people can refill their reusable water bottles all day long. A full-time fridge and freezer is also available so families can keep any food they bring cool throughout the day.

For more on the association and information on membership, visit MECAPool.com, or email info@mecapool.com, with any specific questions or concerns.