Rockland Pool Club Laps Up Visitors

After years of laying dormant, Sparkill oasis made a big splash with pre-Memorial Day opening.

After eight long years, The Tallman Beach and Pool Club is back and better than ever thanks to a $750,000 renovation project by Billy Procida of Procida Funding and Advisors. Originally built in the 1930s, the swimming facility held an open house for its re-launch on May 25, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Over 100 guests were in attendance to kick off the “unofficial start of summer” with complimentary drinks, food, and music at the town’s newest summer hangout spot.

You could actually feel some of the changes pouring into your flip-flops, as a trail of sand paves its way to the facility entrance and branches out to the kiddie pool, the main pool, and the remodeled locker rooms. Along the edges of the kiddie pool, a row of beach chairs overlooks a fantastic view of the Hudson River. 

NoCo Beach Grill, the club’s new on-premises restaurant (featuring an outdoor kitchen and bar), made its big debut as well. Owners Joe Agnello and Kevin Berry were hard at work preparing their signature Noco Tacos, a bite-seized blackened fish taco topped with pico de gallo, cilantro slaw, and a creamy lime sauce. But it was the filet mignon slider sandwiches topped in a blue cheese sauce that ended up being the crowd favorite. NoCo will be open all season long with a full menu of poolside eats available to members and guests.

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But what’s a celebration without free drinks? In celebration of its grand opening, the bar served complimentary wine, sangria, beer, and the biggest hit of the night: Procida Punch. Named for the club’s benefactor, the drink was composed of “a secret recipe,” according to event bartender Steve Kazmir, though he conceded that, “It has some coconut rum, pineapple rum, and a very secret blend of fruit juices.” 

An hour into the festivities, Procida thanked his entire team for their hard work over such a short period of time. In December 2015, he signed a 20-year lease with the Palisades Park Commision, but construction didn’t begin until just a few months ago. It only took 67 days to finish the project, which included an installment of a new 200-foot retaining wall, new pool pumps and filters, and fresh paint for the interior of the two pools. At the conclusion of Procida’s speech, the children’s choir from St. Margaret’s in Pearl River sang the National Anthem as Old Glory was lifted up the flagpole.

The celebration continued with a massive seafood dinner, boasting clams, shrimp, and crab legs served by the buckets. Every few minutes, servers came back to empty another pot of delicious seafood across the table.

It’s not too late to become a Tallman member for the 2016 season and revel in unlimited visits, complimentary yoga, food and drink discounts, and a seasonal parking pass. They also offer swimming lessons, babysitting services, and private events. Visit their website for more details.

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