Draining the Pool of its Party
The Times has a sort of elegy for McCarren Park Pool, which will probably stop hosting its “Pool Party” events after this summer as the city readies a $50 million renovation of the property that will turn it back into a swimming pool: …Perhaps no other concert space so clearly illustrates the swift effects of…
The Times has a sort of elegy for McCarren Park Pool, which will probably stop hosting its “Pool Party” events after this summer as the city readies a $50 million renovation of the property that will turn it back into a swimming pool:
…Perhaps no other concert space so clearly illustrates the swift effects of gentrification. Just as bohemian culture in Greenpoint and Williamsburg is having its most visible, celebratory moment, it is being bulldozed out of the neighborhood. Rows of gleaming luxury condominiums have sprung up alongside the park, and the tattoo-and-skinny-jeans set is getting priced out. That McCarren Pool will be filled with water again has pleased many longtime residents and activists. But at several recent concerts the prevailing opinion was: bummer.
The quotes from concert attendees on the one hand and longtime Williamsburg/Greenpoint residents on the other underscore the competing desires for how the space should be used. They let it rot for years and years, and now all of a sudden they’re like, ‘It’s viable to turn it into a pool again,’ says Liz Castaldo, a 23-year-old who lived in Williamsburg until a rent hike precipitated a move to Bushwick. In the other camp are people like Phyllis Yampolsky, founder of the McCarren Park Conservancy and a Greenpoint resident since 1982. The basic need of that pool is as a pool and recreation center for all the peoples of North Brooklyn, which includes a lot of black people and a lot of Latino people, says Yampolsky. Its basic needs are not for the fashionistas of Williamsburg.
It’s Been Quite a Pool Party, but the Days Grow Short [NY Times]
Photo by sjr7658.
I hate to interupt, but does anyone know where I can meet the hot shirtless dude in the bottom right of the picture?
Pool / ice skating rink right?
I must admit I was very disappointed when i heard they were taking away all the concerts, free parties, movie nights etc. Most of these events are very popular and well attended, even sold out which is weird because it is a large, outdoor venue.
I don’t go swimming in pools and i don’t ice skate so it doesn’t interest me all that much.
Good points. I think the park is fabulous too, and desparately needs a facelift of the pool area east of Lorimer, which is full of overgrown weeds and fences. Its funny how it feels like most of the support for an ongoing concert space at the pool is coming from those who travel into GP to experience the shows and from those who are running the shows and making money. fact is, the park is a 7 day a week operation year round, not just 8 sundays a summer. I recall seeing a skating rink on the plans from a few months ago- I think thats a great solution for off-season usage.
well, there are also lots of children of white people too in the area. a growing demographic – exponentially in fact by the looks of it.
i do feel for the current owners around the pool who have been subjected to loud music and crowds whether or not they were in the mood for it although most of the acts playing there have been very good. there is talk of moving the shows to the bushwick inlet park if/when it is completed. that sounds better actually because it’ll be on the waterfront and less disruptive.
on the whole, this renovation along with the waterfront renovation is very exciting for those who have invested and plan to stay in the neighborhood. the park in general has just been getting better and better. The new trees are wonderful, the greengrocer market is fabulous and the playground is full of children. Also, anyone who is a jogger probably loves the track as much as I do. jogging there while the amazing soccer games are being played is very cool.
Interesting. The whole premise of the concert series in the first place was to generate interest and funding for the pool’s restoration.
bxgrl, in that event, look for the follow-up to this story down the road entitled “Draining the Pool of its Water”.
Definitely belly flop. You should make the most of what you have.
I’m soooo glad the music events will end (movie nights are fine). I could hear the music from BLOCKS away. Won’t miss it at all.
Much prefer an actual pool.
Nokilissa, I meant with respect to the mention of the “mansion”. Please remember to continue to use the quotes whenever referring to it, as you did in your first post.
I’m wondering what Marty’s dive of choice is; are you thinking belly flop (with arms and legs fully extended, of course) or cannon ball?