The Merrick Estates Civic Association is preparing for summer the same way it has for almost 70 years, looking forward to months of outdoors fun for parents and children alike.
The association’s members-only community center, on Shore Drive, was created to bring families in the neighborhood together to enjoy games, events and stress-free socializing. Its attractions include a community pool with a diving board, outdoor lawn games, Ping-Pong and beach volleyball, as well as drinks and cooking amenities. Membership also qualifies families for discounts with sponsoring businesses, involvement in MECA sporting events, weekly programs for children and more.
The association’s board is made up of volunteers. Co-presidents Scott and Shari Gold have worked to make the club an accessible, casual hangout spot for neighbors looking to unwind.
“We’re really about creating that local community experience,” Scott said. “We’re typically designed for families and kids of all ages, but there’s very much a strong focus on younger families with younger children.
“The families that are with MECA have stayed with MECA for many years, summer over summer,” he added. “It’s like a diamond in the rough … even though it’s been here for over 60 years, there’s still a lot of families that don’t know that it’s here … It’s something that we just want more folks to be aware of and enjoy with us.”
The Gold family has lived in Merrick for about five years. “When we moved here, we came from the city, so we were really trying to just integrate ourselves and get very involved with the neighborhood,” Shari said. “As our girls were integrated into school and started to make friends, we started to learn about the different opportunities that the neighborhood offered, including MECA.”
The Golds became members four years ago, and fell in love with the club. Ove the years the couple have become increasingly invested in helping the organization thrive, Shari said.
“Now that it’s April, and we open next month, it’s truly full speed ahead,” she said. “[We’re] trying to get landscaping done, getting some upgrades done, making sure the pool is in the right condition, making sure everything works, but then also setting up all of our activities, getting our events calendar-ready and getting people excited for what’s to come.”
Board member Michele Malina coordinates MECA’s social events, which will include Taco and Tequila Night, adult-only bingo, Moms’ Night Out, wine tasting, live music by the pool, and July Fourth fireworks, while overlooking Long Island’s South Shore.
“I just love how it brings people together,” Malina said. “All of my best friends in the neighborhood I’ve met through MECA … there’s always someone looking out for everyone, and it feels like a family to me.
“We get everyone’s opinions — we’re going to throw in a couple more things this year, like a family feud game,” she added. “We try to see what everyone likes to all come together and meet each other throughout the summer.”
MECA is now running its final promotional campaign for the year, until April 15. The club’s events and attractions are funded by memberships and local business sponsorships from Bellmore and Merrick. To support the club, and for more information, visit MECAPool.com. Use code MECAHERALD for a $100 discount off a paid full membership, active until April 15.
