Brooklynites and park-goers rejoice! State Senator Daniel Squadron and the grass-roots group, Love Our Pool have won an extension for the Pop Up Pool in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The pool will open for one more season as stakeholders continue to devise a plan for a permanent pool.
The Senator released a statement immediately following this morning’s Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation Board of Directors meeting.
“The push for active recreation is about building a park that is great locally and across Brooklyn. I’ve long believed that a pool in Brooklyn Bridge Park is a key part of that, which is why I secured the pop-up pool five years ago and have worked with the community to secure a permanent pool. With the extension of the pop-up pool, and continued commitment to work towards a permanent pool, it’s great news that Brooklyn Bridge Park and the City now agree: Brooklyn Bridge Park should have a pool.”
“This is a huge victory for ‘Love Our Pool: Families United For A Pool in Brooklyn Bridge Park,’ the community and park goers now and into the future. It shows that a community-driven effort, strong partnerships and a successful amenity can change minds and make a real difference. I appreciate that Brooklyn Bridge Park and the City have agreed on the importance of a pool, and thank ‘Love Our Pool,’ the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, my colleagues in government, former Assemblymember Millman, and the community for their ongoing efforts.”
In a separate statement to the blog Love Our Pool Co-Founder Suzanne Quint shared, “We are thrilled, and appreciative, that Brooklyn Bridge Park has agreed to extend the pop-up pool for Summer 2017, recognizing the value and joy it brings to families across Brooklyn. We look forward to continued collaboration with the park and our elected officials to ensure that swimming is a permanent feature in our wonderful park in the years to come.”
Earlier this summer, Senator Squadron released 1,000 petition signatures and the results of a survey that demonstrated the community’s strong desire for the pool to remain open. As previously reported, of the 189 visitors surveyed, 82% came from outside of the pool’s zip code, 60% said it is the only public pool they visit, 64% of respondents visit more than once a month and 80% sited the pool as the Park’s most important feature.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This post has been edited to reflect the addition of a quote from Love Our Pool Co-Founder, Suzanne Quint.
