Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday that almost $150 million in grants have been awarded to fund the construction or rehabilitation of public pools across the state, including $10 million for the Bronx’s Van Cortlandt Park Pool.
The grants, part of the New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) program, will go toward rebuilding the Van Cortlandt Park Pool complex and 36 other projects statewide.
“There is a clear need and demand for reliable and accessible swimming facilities, and these programs will enhance the health and well-being of communities and families all across the State,” Hochul said in the statement.
The $150 million in capital grants awarded via the NY SWIMS program represent the largest investment in public pools since the New Deal. Projects were chosen based on impact and viability, with priority given to underserved communities. The program also provides funding to promote safe swimming by addressing the lifeguard shortage and supporting swim lessons for children pre-K through grade 12 at certain approved locations.
“Van Cortlandt Park Alliance is overjoyed with improvement to recreational facilities in the park and looks forward to working with NYC Parks going forward on the pool project,” said Christina Taylor, Deputy Director of the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, a non-profit whose mission is to support the recreation, ecology, culture and history of the park.
The $10 million grant will go toward the reconstruction of the pool tubs and decks as well as the filtration system and facilities – modernizing them to accommodate people with a disability.
The grants are also part of the Governor’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign, which provides free entry to state park pools and funding for youth sports over the summer.
The need for access to public pools and beaches continues to grow as the New York region gets hotter due to climate change. The average temperature for the past three months in New York City has exceeded 90 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
