NEWYORK: New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa today continued New York’s “We outside Summer” by celebrating the opening of city public pools.
Adams administration officials were joined by Central Park Conservancy President and CEO Betsy Smith and community members to celebrate the start of the citywide outdoor pool season at the city’s newest outdoor pool, the Gottesman Pool at the Davis Center in Central Park.
The Adams administration announced that New York City now has 680 lifeguards as of today, an increase of nearly 10 percent from this time in 2024, and a number that is expected to continue to grow as lifeguard certification continues through mid-July. Finally, Mayor Adams announced the return of adult lap swim and the expansion of free learn to swim programming.
“New York City’s pools are incredible places for New Yorkers to come together, learn to swim, and beat the heat. During days of extreme heat, like this week — the need for public pools is greater than ever,” said Mayor Adams.
“We’re diving into summer and continuing our ‘We Outside Summer’ by opening the new Gottesman Pool at the Harlem Meer and 64 other public pools across the five boroughs. During a heat wave, one of the greatest responsibilities we have as a city is to provide access to resources that keep our most vulnerable New Yorkers cool and safe — and that means opening our public pools and giving our children access to free swim lessons and trained lifeguards, so they are protected in and around the water this summer. This is just another way we are making our city safer, more affordable, and the best place to raise a family.”
“Our free outdoor pools are synonymous with summer for so many New Yorkers — they’re incredible amenities that allow people to cool off, have fun, and stay fit,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa.
“We’re thrilled to welcome people, for the first time, to the Gottesman Pool, a new crown jewel for the Harlem community, which will serve as a dynamic and welcoming space for recreation and public programs. In addition, this administration continues to prioritize investments in public pool infrastructure and increase access to free swim instruction for young people. We’re looking forward to seeing New Yorkers make a splash this summer at our pools citywide!”
“The Central Park Conservancy is proud to welcome New Yorkers to the Davis Center’s new, state-of-the-art public pool for the 2025 season,” said Central Park Conservancy President and CEO Smith.
“This $160 million investment in the park’s north end, the most significant and complex project in our organization’s history, exemplifies how public parks can evolve to better serve their communities. The Davis Center will provide much-needed, year-round access to swimming, skating, and nature for Harlem and northern Manhattan. We are deeply grateful to the city for its partnership in bringing this transformative space to life.”
