Cool off in Flushing Meadows Corona Park's Olympic Pool, one of the city's best public pools
The Aquatic Center at Flushing Meadows Corona Park (GMAP) is home to a gigantic, 25M by 50M swimming pool, the first indoor public pool built in the city for more than 40 years. While it was built as part of a failed bid by the city to host the Olympics, the pool has certainly become…
The Aquatic Center at Flushing Meadows Corona Park (GMAP) is home to a gigantic, 25M by 50M swimming pool, the first indoor public pool built in the city for more than 40 years. While it was built as part of a failed bid by the city to host the Olympics, the pool has certainly become a boon for New Yorkers trying to escape the heat. The pool is in the new Flushing Meadows Corona Park Natatorium and Ice Rink building. When it opens later this year, it will be the biggest recreational complex ever built in a city park.
As New York Magazine’s pick for the Best Public Pool in the city in 2010, the pool caters both beginner and expert swimmers, who can find a suitable spot in the any of the three sections of the pool. The “Learn to Swim” program is also offered for both children and adults. The pool schedule can be found on USA Pools website, which includes swim classes, open swim times, and private swim information.
Aby Sam Thomas is a journalist living in Queens. He writes about arts and culture for QueensNYC.com. You can follow Aby on Twitter.
Note that while this is a public pool, it’s not free. You need a $150 annual membership to swim in the City’s indoor pools (http://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters). Outdoor public pools are, of course, free for all.
I totally agree! I did not mean to imply that a $150 annual fee is a rip-off, only that it’s different from free. It’s an amazing deal considering it gets you into some very nice gyms (the one across the street from the Flushing pool is great) along with the pools.