New Yorkers are splashing into summer after Mayor Eric Adams announced the Let’s Swim NYC initiative.
The initiative will pour more than $1 billion into New York City’s public pools. The goal of the program is to improve 39 public pools, fully renovate three pools and build two brand-new pools.
Working with the Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner, Sue Donoghue, Adams said that over the next five years, the funding will help “promote public safety and help more New Yorkers learn life-saving water safety skills.”
The two brand-new pools will be at Harry S Truman High School in the Bronx. The pools will be used by school and student groups as well as other organizations outside of school hours. The announcement of incoming investment in city pools comes during one of the hottest weeks of the year in New York City. “This week's heat surge reminds us that we need to use every tool to beat the heat — sometimes that's as simple as suiting up and jumping in,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi.
According to the Office of the Mayor, a significant portion of the Let’s Swim NYC budget will go toward the renovation of existing pools. Projects like pool tub repairs, electrical work, filtration systems and deck repair are at the top of the list for pools across the city. Adams and his fellow leaders are specifically focusing on the 60% of pools that are currently built within a quarter mile of the city’s Housing Authority campus. So, many low-income families who haven’t historically had access to safe aquatic recreation should see a big boost in infrastructure.
The city has completed upgrades on Astoria Pool, John Jay Pool, Sheltering Arms Pool, West Brighton Pool, Betsy Head Pool, Lyons Pool, Highbridge Pool and Jackie Robinson Pool. These locations are ready for fun this summer. Astoria Pool’s renovation totaled nearly $19 million and included a new pool deck, filtration system and air conditioning.
The Let’s Swim NYC initiative has also helped the city’s previous lifeguard shortage. Earlier this year the city finalized a plan to pay lifeguards $22 per hour and pay a one-time bonus of $1,000 to returning lifeguards each season.
The weather in New York City is expected to remain in the low 90s and high 80s for the rest of June 2024, so New Yorkers will certainly be grabbing those swim suits and making a splash to beat the heat!
