Brooklyn Bridge Park Pool Opens Friday, July 6

By on July 3, 2012 11:05 pm in brooklyn bridge park, Events, Fun

We’ve received word from the office of State Senator Daniel Squadron that the “pop-up-pool” near Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park will open Friday morning, July 6, at 9:45 a.m. The Senator will be there, along with Park President Regina Myer, Park Conservancy Executive Director Nancy Webster, Assemblywoman Joan Millman, City Council Member Steve Levin and a representative from Borough President Marty Markowitz’s office (evidently Marty, hearing that the pool is only 3’6″ deep, decided to give it a pass).

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  • lori

    I have not as yet received an answer from the BBP regarding my question: Is the pool only for children (and their families) Or can unaccompanied adults enjoy the pool and surrounding area? The statement “Children and their families will enjoy a beautiful new pool situated off the greenway on the uplands of Pier 2.” leads me to believe that the rule governing playgrounds exists here: Adults unaccompanied by children are not permitted:.

  • WillowSt.Neighbor

    lori,
    I just called the Park Conservancy but could not get a real person to answer the phone. The phone number is 718 802-0603.
    Every article written about the pool mentions the word “families” so I think you are correct in assuming that the pool is for children accompanied by an adult.

  • Rachel

    Hi Lori,

    Glad to hear you’re excited about the pool!

    Children under 4’2″ must be accompanied by an adult in the pool itself.

    Adults are more than welcome to swim in the pool without a child, but please keep in mind that the pool is 3.5 feet deep and is not suitable for swimming laps.

  • nabeguy

    Even at only 3-1/2″ feet, I’m pretty sure Marty could do laps in it.

  • Allie

    I read that 60 people will be allowed in the pool for 45 minute shifts. How Is this going to really work? Do you really think all 60 people will immediately leave the pool when asked to do so? Will there be long lines waiting in the hot sun waiting to get in? It sounds a bit like a nightmare. I have asked these same questions directly to BBP, but have not had a response.

  • GHB

    Will the public go all McCarren Park in this pool?

  • She’s Crafty

    When people had to swim in shifts at the floating pool it seemed to work ok, so hopefully it will here too. The question is who will be monitoring it. The McCarren Park pool situation is really sad. A few selfishly spoil it for many.

  • lori

    From Brooklyn Bridge Park: “Hi Lori – thanks for writing. The pool is opening to everyone, not just children and their families”. The shifts at The Floating Pool were an hour and a half with a half hour in between. Everybody left and the next group came in. That worked very well.

  • BH’er

    It seems surprising that an ‘unaccompanied adult’ cannot sit in a park but Can wade in a 3.5 ft deep pool with children

    I’m sure everything will be just fine, but it seems a bit counter-intuitive…

    Glad to see this pool opening and hope all goes smoothly. I read the stories about McCarren and can only hope this does not happen downstairs

  • WillowSt.Neighbor

    The opening of the pool seems to have gone well. I think there were more politicians on hand this morning than swimmers.
    I passed by again a few hours later and there was no line at all. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.
    The temperature tomorrow will be nearing 100 degrees. I am sure it will be much more crowded.

  • David on Middagh

    BH’er, the “unaccompanied adult” situation mutates in favor of law enforcement when changing the venue from a children’s park to a community pool. Poolnapped kids leave drip trails…

  • yoohoo

    The BBP pool is for everyone, but because of the small size and MANY children of all sizes and ages, swimming is barely possible. The first group this morning was large, the second less so, but wait until the news of the pool has spread sufficiently. Official statements were brief, the networks and press were heavily represented and many individual “swimmers” were interviewed.

    According to Nancy Webster of the BBP Conservancy, three lifeguards are on duty at all times of the day. Swimming lessions are given from 8 to 10 a.m. Color-coded wristbands are distributed for each open session. The water was tested at the end of session 2 this morning. The “beach” and concession stand (with future beer and wine license) remain open long after the pool closes, which should draw visitors from Pier 1.

  • WillowSt.Neighbor

    Yoohoo,
    I took pictures of the swimmers who had lined up poolside while the politicians were giving their speeches. It was not a large crowd by any means. I came back at about 2PM and there still were not a lot of people. I actually saw more adults than children. I doubt whether anyone really thinks they will get much real swimming done in this little pool.
    Tomorrow is Saturday and the temps will be close to 100 degrees.
    It will most likely be a lot more crowded.

  • yoohoo

    WillowSt.Neighbor,
    the first session was open to BBP Conservancy charter members who had to RSVP. The second session (first open to the public at large) was less well attended, but word will surely get out (many potential users may be away this week). I was barely able to swim a width uninterrupted by older, unattended children or parents holding a small child (or two). The water is too tepid to be refreshing but probably ideal for small children. It takes fewer than 60 persons for the pool to be crowded (max. occupancy of 60 may refer to the entire pool area, which includes the “beach”). Because of the small pool size, it may attract primarily famllies with infants (in diapers!) and young children. As I mentioned, the water was tested after session 2 and I imagine it’s being tested throughout the day.
    Overall, a boon for the public, especially when one considers that no pool was planned as late as a year ago, and it was our political representatives who made it possible.

  • yoohoo

    One more thing, the BBP Conservancy pays for the entire operation; that’s your and my donations.

  • WillowSt.Neighbor

    yoohoo,
    Thanks for the information. The last time I was in a public pool was probably close to 50 years ago and that was the pool at Jones Beach. Passed the pool again this afternoon and everyone seemed to be having a great time.