A new look at Babylon Village Pool this year

Artist Kelly Franke, left, and Babylon Village Pool Director Kate Dougherty stand in front of the new mural that graces a wall at the Babylon Village Pool. New and original murals are now part of the Babylon Village Pool, greeting pool-goers as they walk in and adding even more charm to one of the Village's favorite places.

Artist Kelly Franke, who graduated from Alfred University, started working on the murals last summer. Last year, she refurbished the mural of the whales, and the mural featuring the gazebo and other scenes from around Babylon's parks.

This year, Franke is doing her own designs, which include a beautiful painting of the Fire Island lighthouse and the surrounding beach area. She is still working on the painting, and two weeks ago, as she stood besides her brushes and still-wet portions of the newly painted wall, she said: "I always admired the murals, and I can hardly believe that I've been given the privilege to redo them and paint my own work. I'm excited that my art work will be seen by my community for many years to come."

As the summer of 2008 draws to a close, it has been another very successful year at the pool under the eye of Kate Dougherty, who has been director of the pool for four years, and Tom, her assistant director. Dougherty oversees a staff of more than 60, handles payroll and basically "helps to make sure that the 750 patrons who frequent the pool enjoy themselves and are safe.

"The entire staff works hard to make the pool a nice environment for the residents, and an enjoyable place to work."

Dougherty has worked at the pool for 11 years. Prior to becoming director, she served as assistant director and swim instructor, and has, over the years developed many relationships with the Babylon families who enjoy the pool every summer.