Flushing Meadows Corona Park

NYC PARKS REOPENS FLUSHING MEADOWS CORONA PARK AQUATICS CENTER IN QUEENS WITH BRAND NEW SWIM PROGRAMMING

The Aquatics Center, which averages 350,000 visits per year, reopens with new classes including “Swim Instruction Program” and competitive swim training

Today, NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue joined Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., Congresswoman Grace Meng, Council Member Shekar Krishnan, Council Member Sandra Ung, Representatives from Community Boards 4, 6, 7, and 8, Senior Swimmers from Roy Wilkins, St. John’s, and Al Oerter Recreation Centers, and community members to officially reopen the Flushing Meadows Aquatics Center to the public and debut brand new programming.

“We are beyond excited to reopen this beloved Aquatics Center to the community, a true focal point for water education, swim training, and exercise for many Queens swimmers,” said Parks Commissioner Donoghue. “In addition to the work done on the facility to increase the Center’s longevity, programming here will be better than ever -- as part of the reopening, five swim classes are returning, and we’re even introducing two new classes for the first time ever.”

“The long-awaited reopening of the Flushing Meadows Aquatics Center will make a world of difference for thousands of residents across Queens, especially those in Western Queens as the Astoria Pool closes for renovations. This center will once again give families a place to bond, kids a place to learn and seniors a place to stay active — all things our borough deserves,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “As the father of a young son, I can’t wait to spend steamy summer days at the Aquatics Center with my family, and I look forward to seeing thousands of my neighbors there as well.”

“The reopening of the Aquatics Center has been a long time coming, and I’m thrilled that Queens residents will once again will be able to take advantage of all that this exceptional facility has to offer,” said Congresswoman Meng. “From great exercise and swimming classes to simply enjoying the water, I am excited to see those from our borough, especially our kids, families and seniors, using this wonderful pool.”

The Aquatics Center will once again provide important pool access in Central Queens. As part of the reopening, Parks is introducing two brand new aquatics classes to the Aquatics Center, including:

• Swim Instruction Program (SIP) for Water Safety Instructors, an advanced swim class with the goal of teaching swimmers how to become Water Safety Instructors;

• Youth and Adult Hydro-Fit, a form of competitive swim training and conditioning, including general dry-land training exercises.

Programming at the pool will also feature returning swim classes like Swim for Life, Learn to Swim, Youth Swim Teams, Adult and Senior water Aerobics, and Adaptive Aquatics.

"Swimming isn’t just recreation and exercise, it’s also a life-saving skill for New Yorkers. I’m thrilled to celebrate the long-awaited reopening of the Flushing Meadows Aquatics Center, which will host two new swim classes alongside five returning programs,” said Council Member Krishnan. ”The Aquatics Center is an Olympic-size, fully accessible, affordable pool facility, and the working-class, immigrant communities of Queens deserve no less."

“Since taking office, I have heard from numerous constituents wondering if and when the Aquatics Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park would reopen to the public,” said Councilmember Sandra Ung. “While I know it has been frustrating for them to be without this swimming pool for so long, I am happy the Parks Department is finally able to reopen it. Not only is this one of only two public indoor swimming pools in the borough, it is also right in the heart of several different immigrant communities. I look forward to welcoming swimmers both young and old back to this world-class amenity, not just so they have a place to swim and exercise, but to take advantage of all of the great programs that drew approximately 350,000 visitors a year before it was forced to close.”

The Flushing Meadows Aquatics Center is reopening to the public after closing in January 2020 due to emergency netting installation on the interior roof and repair of the pool floor, with a delayed opening due to pandemic impacts. An additional project to repair and upgrade the roof of the Aquatics Center will begin in in 2025.

Recreation memberships are free for youth and young adults through the age of 24. For information on hours, programming, and how to become a Recreation Center member, please visit Parks’ Recreation Center page for more information: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters

Since 1910, NYC Parks has provided the most affordable and extensive network of recreational services throughout New York City. Parks’ 36 recreation centers offer facilities such as indoor pools, weight rooms, basketball courts, and dance studios, art studios, game rooms, and libraries. All recreation centers also offer a range of programs for people of all ages.

The largest recreation center ever built inside a New York City park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatics Center and Ice Rink is home to an Olympic-size swimming pool with adjustable floor and diving tank for competitions, as well as a year-round NHL-regulation hockey rink. The 110,000 square-foot facility is accessible to those with disabilities.

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