Summer is upon us, and with increasingly hotter days ahead, New York City is taking a bold step to ensure its residents have more ways to cool off and enjoy the season. On June 19, 2024, Mayor Eric Adams, in collaboration with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, announced the launch of “Let’s Swim NYC,” a massive $1 billion investment aimed at building, improving, and protecting the city’s public pools over the next five years. This initiative marks the most significant investment in NYC pools since the 1970s and promises to substantially impact the city’s recreational landscape.
The Need for More and Better Pools
As climate change continues to bring more severe and frequent heat waves, the need for accessible and well-maintained public pools has never been greater. “New York City’s pools and beaches are incredible places for New Yorkers to come together, learn to swim, and beat the heat,” said Mayor Adams. He emphasized that this billion-dollar investment will ensure all five boroughs have access to more and better pools, particularly for working-class New Yorkers who rely on these public amenities.
What’s Included in the Investment?
The “Let’s Swim NYC” initiative will not only provide funding to the city’s 39 existing pools but also build two brand-new indoor pools and fully renovate three outdoor pools. The renovations will include new pool decks, advanced filtration systems, and essential structural work to protect and modernize aging infrastructure. For instance, Astoria Pool, the largest in the city, holding one million gallons, is reopening after nearly two years of renovation on Thursday, June 27th, boasting a new pool deck, shell, lighting, and a state-of-the-art filtration and chemical treatment system.
New Pools and Renovations Underway
One of the standout projects under this initiative is the construction of a new $147 million recreation center with an indoor pool at Roy Wilkins Park in St. Albans. This facility, along with another indoor pool at the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center in East Flatbush, will be the first new pools added to NYC parks since 2008. NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue highlighted the importance of these public pools, stating,
Extending the Pool Season
The announcement also comes with discussions about extending the pool season. With the first heat wave of the year already making temperatures soar, some elected officials are advocating for an earlier opening and later closing of the city’s pools. Currently, pools open weeks after the city’s beaches, which Council Member Shekar Krishnan, chair of the Committee on Parks and Recreation, sees as a missed opportunity for New Yorkers to cool down. He is sponsoring legislation to extend the pool operating season from mid-May to mid-October and to lengthen daily pool hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Future Plans and Community Involvement
In addition to extending the pool season, the Parks Department is considering off-season activations at six pools during the winter months. These activations could include engaging community programming on the pool decks, providing year-round recreational options. Astoria Pool’s diving pool plaza, now renovated, is one of the sites being considered for such programming from October to March.
The “Let’s Swim NYC” initiative is a testament to the city’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. With a billion-dollar investment in building, improving, and protecting public pools, New Yorkers can look forward to more opportunities to stay cool, stay active, and stay connected with their communities. As Mayor Adams said, this investment is about making a splash — not just in the water, but in the lives of millions of New Yorkers. So, as the summer heat intensifies, NYC is ready to dive into a future where everyone can enjoy the benefits of safe, well-maintained public pools.
Photo credit: Old Astoria Neighborhood Association