As summer approaches, debate over pool use resurfaces

Author: SÍLE Moloney

The debate over the Bronx's lack of a pool has raged in recent years, and the pandemic has made the situation even worse. Dissatisfaction has been evident in recent summers, with long lines witnessed outside Van Cortlandt Park's renovated public pool on hot days, while safety concerns persist amid a shortage of lifeguards indoors. Only half of the pool was open.

norwood news has reported on the continued need for an increase in lifeguards in New York City since at least 2013, regularly reporting through a list of neighborhood notes.

In early January, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced NY SWIMS, a program to “Invest in More Swimming Across New York State,” the fourth proposal in her 2024 Proclamation. “Access to swimming is more than just recreation. It's about public health and climate resilience,” the governor said. “NY SWIMS will be the largest investment in swimming across the state since the New Deal, expanding access to underserved communities and improving safety for children across New York. .”

Recognizing that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and that climate change will increase extreme heat, the Governor is committed to ensuring that NY SWIMS builds municipal pools in high-need areas and supports New Yorkers and the state. Connect rivers, lakes, and expand pools in urban environments and invest in state parks and pools.

Hochul also said he will advance efforts to address the state-wide lifeguard shortage, strengthen swimming instruction, and increase pool and beach amenities to help more New Yorkers swim safely.

State officials say NY SWIMS will “build 10 new landmark public swimming pools in areas of greatest need, advance innovation in pool design, and roll out pop-up above-ground pools to combat the extreme heat.” We will provide $150 million in grants to local governments to help them.” ” They said NY SWIMS will reverse decades of investment and ensure public parks have new, state-of-the-art swimming facilities capable of serving thousands of visitors each day.

Officials also said the state is partnering with New York City to jointly fund a demonstration project that will ensure this innovative model can be safely installed on New York's rivers. It said it will realize its vision for +Pool, a filtered floating pool. Swimmers.

In August 2023, following the adoption of the city budget, norwood news As confirmed by City Councilman Eric Dinowitz (CD 11), we reported on the renovation of the swimming pool at DeWitt Clinton High School, a public school in the Bedford Park neighborhood. At the time, Dinowitz said, in part, noting the continuing lifeguard shortage citywide and the fact that he displayed photos of pools in poor repair during his budget presentation to voters. Ta. I messed up. ”

He added, “I looked at the Parks Commission and had a lot of discussions. Students at Clinton College couldn't get into the pool even if they tried to be lifeguards.” said he was able to persuade the school building authority to renovate the pool.

Meanwhile, Norwood residents Cirio and Heather Guerino, whose children attend the school, have long advocated for the pool to be renovated, but have since held an event to celebrate its renovation and reopening. I was disappointed to hear that there was no opposition when the event was held at the school. I was invited.when norwood news The school does not speak directly to the press, so when we contacted the New York City Department of Education (DOE) about the grand opening, they said it was not a press event.

Given that Sirio Guerino has shown public support for reopening pools at various local board meetings, we asked Dinowitz about the organization of the event and his team told City Council members I was advised that I believe the event to mark the official reopening was organized by the school. The school then sent out invitations.

norwood news Additionally, we were informed that councilors were indeed saddened that the Guerinos were not present at the official reopening. Dinowitz's team added that the councilman first learned about the pool from Cirio Guerino and called Cirio throughout the renovation to update him on progress. Dinowitz's team added that the councilman said he (Dinowitz) would not have pushed as hard for the pool renovation if it weren't for Cirio's support.

Given the continued lack of local public swimming pools in Bronx Community District 7Norwood News He then asked the DOE whether school pools would be open to the public, not just students. We have been advised that all operated pools, if not in use by the school or another program, may be used by non-school parties during non-school hours, including during the summer, through an extended use permit.

Additionally, we were advised that there would be associated costs for the Extended Use Permit, which covers the monitoring and operation of the pool and building. We asked the DOE how and when the public can use DeWitt Clinton High School's pool and exactly how much it costs. There was no immediate response. We will share any future updates.

If you would like to register as a lifeguard, please visit nyc.gov/park/lifeguards.

Meanwhile, on May 2, New York City Parks issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (“RFEI”) to conduct off-season activities at several pool facilities in the city from October through March. Parks is seeking plans for active and passive recreation, services, programs, and concessions that enhance the winter pool space while improving the quality of life for visitors and the surrounding community.

Park officials say opening these locations will provide much-needed additional space to benefit families, promote innovative programs, and continue to operate the pool site as a winter community hub. He said that he is creating.

“Our city's outdoor pools are an essential part of the New York summer, and New York City Parks is committed to keeping these spaces active and attractive throughout the winter with our new pool deck program. We are excited,” said New York City Parks Commissioner Sue Donahue.

“This is the first time we are looking to open six pools simultaneously during the winter to create concessions that enhance off-season recreational options in public spaces,” she added. “We encourage proponents to think of new and exciting ways to use these locations to create spaces of connection, keep children and adults active, and provide exciting and dynamic programming for New Yorkers. .”

Offseason revitalization is being considered for six outdoor pools: one in Queens, three in Manhattan, one in Brooklyn, one in the Bronx, and Foster Pool north of Yankee Stadium. Recently upgraded as part of the pool initiative. The pool is located in a residential area with apartment blocks and is easily accessible by public transport. Foster Pool has a medium-sized pool and a wading pool.

The expression of interest should include the proponent's vision and goals for the site, as well as the proponent's qualifications and past projects. It should include project revenue and cost projections, including staffing and timeline projections, as well as community outreach and marketing plans.

Plans for equipment acquisition, setup/tear down, ADA compliance, and security should also be included in your submission. All proposed on-site structures and equipment are temporary and must be removable by the concessionaire upon less than 48 hours' notice by the park.

If, after consideration by Parks, a new concession idea appears to be feasible, appropriate, and advantageous to the City, Parks will initiate a solicitation process for the concession through the release of a Request for Proposal (RFP). I will consider that.

To view the full RFEI, click here and select the “Off Season Pool/Deck Activation” option. See RFEI for more information.