Faber Pool and Park

NYC PARKS' 55 OUTDOOR POOLS OPEN TODAY

Intermediate and Olympic sized pool seasons extended an additional week, until Sunday, September 11

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, yesterday joined Deputy Borough President of Staten Island Ed Burke, Council Member Debi Rose, Community Board 1 District Manager Joe Carroll, and local kids to celebrate the start of the outdoor pool season with a traditional first jump in Staten Island’s Faber Pool. At the event, speakers announced an extension of the pool season, tips for being WaterSafe, and free SchoolFood meals for kids 18 and under provided at parks and outdoor pools all summer long.

All 55 of NYC Parks’ outdoor pools open to the public starting on Wednesday, June 29. Daily hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week. Thanks to $1.7 million provided in the FY17 budget, 36 of the City’s intermediate and Olympic-sized outdoor pools will stay open an extra week, through Sunday, September 11.

“For the first time ever, we’re extending the outdoor pool season by one week so that New Yorkers have even more access to a cool pool when the temperatures are high,” said Commissioner Silver. “We are thrilled to kick off the season in Staten Island’s Faber Park, a great neighborhood space that’s about to get even better thanks to the Parks Without Borders initiative. We wish everyone a safe and fun summer!”

“Summer is here, and it’s time for people of all ages to enjoy a dip in the water,” said Council Member Debi Rose. “I urge all my constituents to take advantage of swim classes and other activities offered at our pools. Knowing how to swim is not only essential to the safety of a child, it’s also great exercise for children and adults alike. More importantly, it’s fun – and so good for the mind and body. So come on out to one of our many pools, and jump in the water and cool off this summer.”

Water safety is a top priority for NYC Parks and we urge all New Yorkers – regardless of their swimming ability – to be cautious and alert in and around the water. This summer we encourage everyone to Be WaterSafe by following Parks’ Top 10 Water Safety Tips:

1. Only swim where lifeguards are present and follow their directions
2. Learn to swim
3. Never leave children unattended
4. Obey all posted signs and flags
5. Watch for dangerous waves and rip currents
6. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings
7. Wear a life jacket when boating
8. Don’t take unnecessary risks
9. Be safe in the sun
10. Know before you go

This summer at 85 locations throughout the city, including many pool sites, kids 18 and under are able to receive free, nutritious meals provided by the USDA through SchoolFood, New York City Department of Education. For a full list of sites, please visit: https://www.nycgovparks.org/programs/summer-meals.

Faber Park was one of eight locations nominated by New Yorkers and selected by NYC Parks to receive significant funding for a capital improvement under the Parks Without Borders initiative. The upcoming renovations will further the mission of Parks Without Borders by opening up entrances and edges along Richmond Avenue and creating a seamless public realm.

Faber Pool opened on July 15, 1932 to provide children with a safer alternative to swimming in the polluted waters of the Kill Van Kull.