Brooklyn Paper won the aquatic pun contest, while the Eagle doused readers with details about recent public meetings for the pool planned for Squibb Park, slated to open in 2020.
Brooklyn Bridge Park President Eric Landau was joined at PS 8 by Kristina Drury, founder of Tythe Design, the community engagement firm hired by the Park, at gatherings to solicit suggestions and concerns about the permanent structure.
According to our local reports, approximately 100 people in total attended the two sessions, held on September 12 and 16.
Among the ideas/wishes proffered by locals:
- a pool that would accommodate both children and adults, including older people who may have mobility problems, though one participant observed, “I like children, but there are so many children [at the Pop-Up Pool] all the time and I could never swim. There were unruly children. If it’s a lap pool maybe there will be less children like that and I could swim sometimes.”
- a pool that could be used in both summer and winter
- shaded areas
- private swimming hours that would accommodate Orthodox Jewish women
- a concession stand, though perhaps one that might be limited to avoid trash/traffic problems
As with all matters related to the Park, concerns were raised about crowds, foot traffic, and theft. Nancy Webster, executive director of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, told the Eagle that the pool has the potential to “be a real gathering spot and a real experience for members not only of the surrounding communities, but communities further afield.”
According to Landau, an online survey has garnered over 1,500 responses. The pool is expected to double the capacity of the Pop-Up Pool, accommodating between 150 and 300 people, and cost between $10 and $15 million.
Get all the details at the Eagle and Brooklyn Paper. Your clicks help support the good work of our local publications.
Were you at the meetings? Tell us what you think.
