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New York City's 55 Outdoor Pools Officially Open For Summer Season

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) - Perfect timing.

New York City residents looking to escape the steamy summer heat can head for the pool.

1010 WINS' Stan Brooks at McCarren Park

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The city's 55 outdoor pools opened to the public for the season on Thursday.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg celebrated the opening by cutting the ribbon at the McCarren Park pool, which had been closed since 1984.

After several years of use as a concert venue, the landmark pool is again filled with more than 1 million gallons of water following a $50 million renovation of the pool and play center.

The pool was built as part of the Works Progress Administration and was first opened by Robert Moses in 1936.

"McCarren Park Pool has an illustrious past and a bright future,"said Bloomberg. "The major investment we've made in this renovation will help return the pool and the park to their place at the center of community life for residents of Williamsburg and Greenpoint."

"The reopening of McCarren Pool is a welcome addition to the City's recreation centers," said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. "ow, New Yorkers will have a new place to splish, splash and beat the heat this summer at Brooklyn's newest, hippest pool."

"We are very grateful to Mayor Bloomberg and the Parks Department for this incredible renovation of McCarren Park Pool," said Chairman of the Open Space Alliance for North Brooklyn, Steve Hindy. "This will become a gem and centerpiece for North Brooklyn."

It and the 54 other outdoor pools are scheduled to be open seven days a week until Labor Day. They will all be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m seven days a week.

Do you use the city's pools to cool off? Let us know below.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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