Dozens Of Public Swimming Pools Reopen In New York City
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New Yorkers can now cool down with a dip in the pool.
Dozens of outdoor city pools have reopened for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
Forty-nine outdoor pools, including more than a dozen that recently received makeovers, opened Saturday.
Mayor Bill de Blasio was on hand for the fun at the Bushwick Pool in Brooklyn. He handed out sunglasses to those who were already out trying to beat the heat.
"Opening our pools is another step in our comeback, another step in a recovery for all of us. Being here in Bushwick, and you know, this is a community with a lot of public housing around here, a lot of folks who don't have a lot of advantages. Pools like this matter. We want to make sure everyone benefits from this recovery," de Blasio said.
A pool in Harlem is one of the "cool pools" with a bright new paint palette, new umbrellas and other games for families. The Parks Commissioner said the transformation aims to turn the amenity into an all-day destination.
Last year, because of the pandemic, only 15 city pools opened late into the season.
This year, 49 of 53 outdoor locations will be back.
There are also new COVID rules. Social distancing is recommended. Face coverings will be required to enter the facility, but they are not required to be worn poolside.
Pool capacity will not be limited.
Daily hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.
City pools will remain open through Sunday, Sept. 12.
Click here to find one near you.
CBS2's Christina Fan contributed to this report.
