New York City is set to make a splash in the world of innovative urban projects!
Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent announcement supporting a groundbreaking plan for a floating swimming pool created hype worldwide.
The proposed new plus pool in East River near the Statue of Liberty is a self-filtering swimming pool shaped like a plus sign intended for New York City’s waterways.
The pool aims to offer a safe swimming experience on the East River. A demonstration version will launch in the summer, and the full pool will be open to the public by 2025.
The initiative also includes plans for new swimming pools across the state and increased lifeguard hires to promote public health and swimming education.
In this sense, New York’s waterfronts are about to transform, providing locals and tourists with a never-before-seen opportunity to explore the city’s famed waterways.
Let’s explore the exciting details of the New York +Pool and the potential transformation of the city’s waterfront.
Decade’s Old Urban Fantasy:
The idea of a floating swimming pool, proposed over a decade ago, is gaining momentum with Governor Hochul’s commitment of $12 million in public funding.
Earlier, the project faced regulatory barriers and slow progress. However, the recent support and funding brought new life to this long-anticipated endeavor.
The +Pool Concept:
The +Pool concept features a self-filtering pool that utilizes the waters of the East River.
Shaped like a plus sign, it aims to redefine how New Yorkers interact with their city’s waterways.
Private backers have persistently championed this initiative, and Governor Hochul’s backing ensures a demonstration version will be launched this summer.
Plans for a fully operational pool open to the public by 2025 are also in place.
Public Health Initiative:
In addition to supporting +Pool, Governor Hochul has proposed a broader public health initiative.
The plan involves building new swimming pools and hiring more lifeguards across the state.
A $60 million grant program aims to construct 10 new pools in underserved communities, with an additional $30 million allocated for pop-up pools during heat waves.
Funding and Support:
Governor Hochul’s spokesperson confirmed that the funding for +Pool will come from existing grants, bypassing the need for legislative approval.
Mayor Eric Adams pledged an additional $4 million from the city’s budget.
Despite budget cuts affecting swim programs, the initiative is committed to enhancing public health and recreation.
Operational Details:
While specific details about the floating pool’s location and operation remain scarce, the city’s Parks Department and the nonprofit organization Friends of +Pool will play key roles.
In parallel with the High Line project, +Pool Managing Director Kara Meyer emphasized the intent to provide free and open access, with the potential for special events or activities that may incur costs.
This New York +pool, just like the Statue of Liberty ferry and the monument itself, offers an ideal venue for celebrating occasions such as Christmas, New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day or the spectacular 4th of July fireworks display.
The Vision for Cleaner Waters:
Backers of +Pool have outlined a vision of an Olympic-length pool attached to the riverbed off Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
The innovative filtration system aims to clean 1 million gallons of water daily, addressing concerns about water quality in New York’s rivers.
The project promises to transform how New Yorkers connect with their waterfront, echoing an earlier era when river bathing was common.
Keep your fingers crossed as the floating pool next to the Statue of Liberty takes shape—it promises to be a cool complement to New York City’s colorful mosaic.
Snapshot: Features of New York’s +Pool
Self-Filtering Design: The pool will have a self-filtering system to maintain water quality, allowing safe swimming in the East River.
Shape: The pool will be shaped like a plus sign, offering a distinctive and recognizable design.
Location: The exact location of the pool is yet to be disclosed, but it is intended for the city’s waterways, providing a novel swimming experience.
Timeline: The project aims to test a demonstration version in the summer and open the full pool to the public by the summer of 2025.
Public Funding: Governor Kathy Hochul has committed $12 million to support the project, breathing new life into an idea proposed over a decade ago.
Operational Oversight: The city’s Parks Department and the nonprofit organization Friends of +Pool are expected to be involved in the operation of the pool.
Community Impact: The project aims to bring back memories of a time when people often bathed in the rivers for enjoyment, altering how New Yorkers view the water nowadays.
Olympic-Length Pool: Previous descriptions of the project suggest an Olympic-length pool attached to the riverbed off Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
Experience the vistas from Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty, providing breathtaking panoramas of the stunning New York City skyline and +Pool soon enough!
These are the popular Statue of Liberty viewpoints.
Statue of Liberty Ferry Tickets: Granting Exclusive Views of the +Pool
The Statue of Liberty Ferry is a boat service that transports visitors from designated departure points, such as Battery Park in Manhattan or Ellis Island, to Liberty Island.
Designed to transport you, especially to the majestic Statue of Liberty, the ferries offer a convenient and scenic passage across the waters of New York Harbor.
As you sail towards Lady Liberty, you can admire the breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, complemented by the views of the Plus Pool.
So, if you want to experience the New NYC +Pool near the Statue of Liberty without taking a swim, you can opt for the Statue of Ferries
Cruise through New York Harbor, admire the glory of Lady Liberty and enjoy breathtaking city skyline views.
Here are the popular cruises with views of the Statue of Liberty:
• Sightseeing Cruise;
• Lunch Cruise;
• Sunset Cruise;
• Illuminated Cruise;
• Dinner Cruise
Contents
FAQs
1. When will the + Pool be open for visitors?
The + Pool is expected to make a splash in the summer with the launch of a demonstration version.
Full public access to this innovative East River floating pool near the Statue of Liberty is expected by 2025.
2. Which are the best public pools in NYC?
New York City has a selection of top-notch public pools, each offering an exciting aquatic experience.
• In Brooklyn, the McCarren Park Pool and Red Hook Pool provide refreshing retreats for residents.
• If you’re heading to Queens, the Astoria Park Pool and Fisher Pool offer cool havens amid the city’s hustle.
3. Can you swim to the Statue of Liberty?
Swimming to the Statue of Liberty is prohibited due to strong currents, shipping traffic, and various hazards.
However, if you’re looking for a unique and safe swimming experience in the vicinity, the + Pool provides the illusion of swimming near the Statue of Liberty.
For professional swimmers, the World’s Top 100 Open Water Swim Events are held, which involve counterclockwise navigation around Liberty Island.
4. Which are the best places in NYC where you can swim this summer?
New York City offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat with various swimming spots.
• Astoria Park Pool: the largest public pool with city views.
• Jones Beach State Park: iconic beach, sun, and sand.
• McCarren Park Pool: Williamsburg’s vibrant urban oasis.
• Coney Island Beach: historic boardwalk, ocean dips.
• Hudson River Park’s Pier 25: Unique urban waterfront escape.
Featured Image: Dezeen.com
