2016 EXTENDED SWIMMING SEASON: CITY COUNCIL FUNDING ALLOWS NYC PARKS’ BEACHES AND OUTDOOR POOLS OPEN THROUGH SEPTEMBER 11
As the 93 days of summer slowly tick towards an end, NYC Parks, with continued support from the City Council, extends the summer swimming season through September 11. Traditionally, swimming at NYC Parks’ beaches and outdoor pools ends Labor Day; this year’s extension adds six days to the calendar. This year, the FY17 budget provides $1.7 million to fund lifeguards, maintenance workers and other parks staff for the additional week at beaches ($725,500) and outdoor pools ($974,500). In FY16, City Council funded $687,000 for the beach extension.
Select beaches will remain open for the extended period, with the exception of two: Cedar Grove Beach and Wolfe’s Pond in Staten Island. And, all Olympic and intermediate pools will stay open, excluding the mini-pools. Respectively they will operate under standard operating times.
“New York City’s shoreline and historic outdoor pools are some of our most beloved summer destinations, including the recently reopened, resilient, continuous Rockaway Boardwalk. With Council Speaker Mark-Viverito and Parks Committee Chair Mark Levine’s continued support, New Yorkers and visitors can enjoy an extra week of summer fun,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
“Our city’s beaches and outdoor pools play an important role in the way New Yorkers’ exercise, play and relax during the summer months. Thanks to the City Council we can all spend a little more time this year seaside and poolside.” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver.
“The Council is proud of our efforts to make pools more accessible to New Yorkers, and I’d like to specifically thank Finance Chair Ferreras-Copeland and Council Member Mark Levine for their leadership and advocacy on this important issue,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “Pools and beaches are an essential part of a New York summer. Funding from the FY 2017 budget will allow New Yorkers to stay cool for an extra week, and improve safety through additional lifeguard coverage and maintenance work.”
“With record numbers of New Yorkers using our city’s beaches and pools, this year’s extension of the season is especially needed,” said Council Member Mark Levine, Chair of the Committee on Parks. “As the month of September grows warmer, our city resources offer exceptional opportunity to cool off and relax right here in the five boroughs. I want to thank NYC Parks for implementing this year’s extension and encourage all residents to safely enjoy these additional days at some of the many beaches and pools our city has to offer.”
As a result of the de Blasio administration’s push, this summer marked the first time since Superstorm Sandy that the full Rockaway Boardwalk has been open. With the beach extension, New Yorkers will continue to enjoy a continuous connection spanning from Beach 9th Street to Beach 126th Street – approximately 5.5 miles – for an additional week.