Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP) today announced plans to build a permanent pool at Squibb Park, which sits just above Pier 1 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and is connected to the park through Squibb Park Bridge.
Under the plan the city’s Parks Department will enter into an agreement with BBP for the development, operation, and maintenance of a pool and optional related amenities at Squibb Park. The cost is estimated between $10-$15 million with the BBP funding about a third of the cost and public private partnerships picking p the rest of the tab.
“An all-new permanent pool at Squibb Park will mean more fun in the sun in Brooklyn, and it demonstrates Brooklyn Bridge Park’s commitment to provide more access to world-class amenities for all New Yorkers,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Plans for the permanent pool comes as advocates for the 85-acre East River Brooklyn waterfront park spanning from the Manhattan Bridge in DUMBO to Atlantic Avenue in Cobble Hill have been making due with a summer pop-up pool for the past few summers.
“Our community spoke loud and clear on their passion for preserving a permanent pool in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Plans to construct that pool at Squibb Park represent a clear victory for children and families across our borough,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “I look forward to working with Brooklyn Bridge Park and our local elected officials in ensuring that the planning of this new pool proceeds ‘swimmingly.’”
The following federal, state and city lawmakers – all of whom represent the park’s footprint – lauded the announcement.
“Since the summer of 2012, the pop-up pool has been a treasure of Brooklyn Bridge Park in the summertime, yet, it was always temporary,” said Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez. “Our families deserve the assurance that summers will bring a place to swim and play, and that is why the construction of a permanent pool is so exciting.”
“I am thrilled that the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation is making the beloved pop-up pool a permanent feature in the park. Everyone loves the pop-up pool we have now. With few local swimming options, having a permanent pool in Squibb Park will make parents, children, and other visitors very happy! I am also very pleased that there will be a robust community engagement process, so our new, permanent pool will best serve communities’ needs,” said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon.
“It’s no secret why millions of New Yorkers and tourists visit Brooklyn Bridge Park every summer, and all year round,” said State Sen. Brian Kavanagh. “This park is more than just a green space — it opens up the East River to Brooklynites, it offers world-class amenities to New Yorkers and visitors alike, and, since 2012, it has provided a pool in a community that otherwise would have no place to swim. Earlier this year my elected colleagues and I urged Brooklyn Bridge Park to begin planning for a permanent pool. Today’s announcement is a big step forward. I will work with Brooklyn Bridge Park, the City Parks Department, all my colleagues in government, and members of this community to try to ensure that the planning and funding process get underway immediately so our new pool is available as soon as possible and no later than the summer of 2020.”
“Summer just isn’t summer without the sounds of laughter and splashing,” said City Council Member Stephen Levin. “With this move, Brooklyn Bridge Park is making sure children and families around the borough and beyond can continue enjoying a pool for decades to come. The community made their voices heard when they showed how much a pool means to them. Let’s take that momentum and forge ahead.”
