Mayor Comes to McCarren

It’s official: After years of sitting empty, Greenpoint/Williamsburg’s iconic relic, McCarren Pool, is on its way to once again becoming the neighborhood’s favorite summertime swimming hole, and on Tuesday morning Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe broke ground on what is expected to be a two-year revitalization effort, with an approximately $50 million price tag. The Robert Moses/Works Progress Administration-era facility is one of eight regional parks throughout the five boroughs that will be redeveloped as part of PlaNYC, the City’s long-term plan to build a greener, greater New York.
“As part of PlaNYC, we pledged to restore McCarren Pool to its former glory,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Thanks to the support of many community organizations who have worked side by side with the Parks Department, today we are fulfilling that promise and breaking ground on a $50 million revitalization of this historic landmark. The restored McCarren Pool will at long return as not only a swimming pool but also as a year-round recreational destination.”
Bloomberg was also joined by Assemblyman Joe Lentol, a longtime champion of the project, and former CB1 Chair Vinnie Abate, who was asked by the Mayor if once to pool is complete, he might be the first to jump in.
“Only if you send a lifeguard in after me!” Abate replied.

Under PlaNYC, 50 million was allocated to fund the renovation of the historic McCarren pool and to develop a year-round recreation center. The redesign also allows for a conversion of the pool to an ice skating rink during the winter months; construction of a year-round recreation center with gym, weight and cardio rooms, multipurpose community rooms, and office spaces; and preservation and restoration of the historic bathhouse building and entry arch. Rogers Marvel Architects LLP designed the restorations with extensive input from the community through a series of public listening sessions.
McCarren Pool was one of 11 public pools opened in the summer of 1936 by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and Parks Commissioner Robert Moses. It closed in 1984 due to deterioration of its infrastructure and public opposition to its renovation, in addition to social, racial and ethnic tension in the neighborhood. However, elected officials and community members are confident that the return of the pool will be met with neighborhood excitement, and hopefully provide the diverse communities living in Greenpoint/Williamsburg with a safe and enjoyable public place to spend a summer afternoon.
“It was a different time and place in New York history, and I hope we’ve all grown beyond that,” said Stephanie Thayer, Executive Director of Open Space Alliance (OSA), an organization closely partnered with the Department of Parks and Recreation. “OSA is dedicated to raising funds so we can take the proper precautions and won’t have the kinds of problems the pool has had in the past. Hopefully this will be a place where all people of all colors and economic backgrounds can come together and enjoy this pool together. Walk through the park—there are hipsters under the trees, and the Hasidics on the southside—this will be a way to celebrate summer together.”
The site was abandoned for more than 20 years and was an example of urban blight. Beginning in 2005, the empty pool basin reopened as an interim performance venue, hosting a variety of entertainment events including concerts, dance performances, and film screenings. The McCarren Pool complex represents an important opportunity to enhance recreational opportunities and improve open space for the growing North Brooklyn community.
Located within the 35-acre McCarren Park, the McCarren Pool complex is anticipated to reopen during the spring of 2012.