Highbridge Park

NYC PARKS KICKS OFF THE 2023 OUTDOOR POOL SEASON AT HIGHBRIDGE POOL IN WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, MANHATTAN

Parks’ outdoor pools will open to swimmers tomorrow, June 29

NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue today joined Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, local kids, and community members to celebrate the start of the outdoor pool season at Highbridge Pool in Washington Heights in Manhattan. After remarks, Commissioner Donoghue jumped in the pool with kids to celebrate the first splash of the summer. The season kickoff celebration featured music, refreshments, games, and giveaways. NYC Parks’ outdoor pools will open to swimmers tomorrow, June 29.

“It’s time to make a splash, New York: outdoor pool season is here!” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Our outdoor pools are amazing amenities for New Yorkers, offering free places to cool off on hot days, have fun, and get some exercise. I look forward to seeing everyone out at our pools this summer, and remember – always follow the directions of our lifeguards, and never leave children unattended in and around the pool.”

“Let’s dive right in: Our city’s public pools are swimpressive, and New Yorkers deep-end on these pools to stay cool all summer long,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “It’s not pool-itical – water you even doing if you’re not visiting your neighborhood pool this summer?”

NYC Parks’ outdoor pools will open beginning Thursday, June 29 through Sunday, September 10. Daily hours are 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Operations will be adjusted as needed based on daily lifeguard coverage to keep swimmers safe.

Parks has once again installed sunscreen dispensers to provide free SPF 30 sun protection at outdoor pools and beaches. Parks will also again partner with the Department of Education to offer free lunches at sites across the city. Meals are available to any New Yorker 18 and under, and no identification or registration is required.

This year, Parks has made a significant transformation to the Highbridge Pool, converting the former wading pool into a brand-new interactive play area, featuring new water features, kids’ play elements, shade structures, and thoughtful new horticulture arrangements at the site. This change will offer expanded cooling opportunities to the community and allow additional ADA accessibility, maximizing the footprint of the former wading pool area. The transformation to the wading pool was completed in-house by Parks.

Also new this year, New Yorkers can be notified about the status of their local pools with “Know Before You Go,” a free service available in 13 languages through the Notify NYC system. To sign up for the new notifications, visit NYC.Gov/notifynyc. Select which pools you are interested in, and you will be notified by text and/or email of any significant closures.

Parks operates 53 outdoor pools throughout the five boroughs. Visit Parks’ Outdoor Pools page for more information, and check out the Cool It! NYC map for cooling features in every neighborhood – including pools, spray showers, drinking fountains, and more.

Know Before You Go

Highbridge Recreation Center