Yesterday NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg welcomed Brooklyn locals to the Grand Re-Opening of McCarren Park Pool. Originally opened in 1936, this monumental pool measuring 100-meters by 50-meters served the borough until 1984 when it finally closed its doors.
After years of neglect, the pool found new life as a venue for non-aquatic activities including dodge ball tournaments, roller hockey, music concerts (Sonic Youth and the Beastie Boys to name a couple) and home to the Williamsburg Film Festival.
In 2008 the City approved plans to restore the aquatic center to its former glory. Working with Roger Marvel Architects, Counsilman Hunsaker retained much of the pool’s original shape while adding contemporary design elements to bring the facility into modern times. Opening in time for the upcoming holiday, and with the City’s summer heat already in the mid 90’s, it is no wonder the line into the aquatic center wrapped around the block on opening.
Open to the public through Labor Day, grab your suit and head over.
For detailed information, be sure to visit the facilities’ Official Website