NYC Parks Host First Splash of the Season and Kick Off

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, today joined Congress Member Jose E. Serrano, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, and neighborhood children at Crotona Pool in the Bronx to celebrate the opening day of the citywide outdoor pool season. They also cut the ribbon on a new $1.6 million spray shower on the pool deck. The event featured a Senior Splash performance by the St. Mary's Marlins.

"There are few better ways to beat the heat this summer than by taking a dip in one of the City's 55 outdoor pools," said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. "City pools provide free summer fun for the entire family. Swimming is a great form of recreation, but for many it is also a survival skill, a competitive sport, and a lifetime passport to health and fitness. As always, please remember to follow pool rules and have fun!"

All 55 outdoor pools in the City are open to the public and they will close on Labor Day - Monday, September 1. Daily hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week.

The new spray shower at Crotona Pool is located at the site of its former diving pool, which has been unused for 30 years. The design of the new spray shower area was inspired by the Art Moderne style of the Crotona Pool complex. The colorful pattern of the new concrete pavement symbolizes the sun rising above the water's horizon. A variety of water spray fixtures were incorporated to provide different levels and types of water play. This $1.6 million amenity was funded by the Office of the Mayor.

All New York City pools are accessible and NYC Parks offers free swimming programs for all ages and abilities. They include Learn to Swim, Water Aerobics, Lap Swimming, Senior Splash, Adapted Aquatics, and Youth Swim Teams.

At many pool sites, kids 18 and under are able to receive free, nutritious meals provided by the USDA through SchoolFood, New York City Department of Education.

For more information about NYC Parks pools and swim programs, please visit www.nyc.gov/parks.

Photo Credit: Daniel Avila