Brooklyn Bridge Park To Get Permanent Public Pool

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, NY — A permanent public swimming pool will come to Brooklyn Bridge Park after a pop-up one that launched in the park several years ago proved popular with residents.

Park officials announced plans on Friday to build a pool at recently renovated Squibb Park, right above Pier 1, and start a fundraising campaign to get the project off the ground.

"The temporary pop-up pool has been a much-loved summer attraction and now we are thrilled to announce plans to bring a permanent pool to Brooklyn Bridge Park," said Eric Landau, Brooklyn Bridge Park president, in a statement.

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation — the non-profit that manages the park — estimated the pool would cost between $10 to $15 million to build. The group plans to fund one-third of the cost while fundraising for the rest of the money, officials said.

They will host planning sessions throughout the summer and fall for residents to give ideas about the pool then later start the design process for it, the park said. Officials did not say when they expect it to open to swimmers.

Plans for the permanent pool comes after the park launched a pop-up one during in 2012 at Pier 2.

Pier 2's pool was originally slated to shut down in 2016, but local parents banded together to beg for it to become a permanent fixture to the park. Their efforts led the park to extend the pool to 2017 and then again this year.

"Since its opening in 2012, the Brooklyn Bridge Pop Up Pool has been one of the most popular summertime attractions in Brooklyn Heights," Parks Department Commissioner Mitchell Silver said in a statement.

"While Squibb Park is an underused facility, it serves as a crucial access point to beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park, making it an ideal location for a permanent outdoor public pool."

Image: Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation