Astoria Pool Is Opening Back Up On August 1–Here’s What That Could Look Like

Earlier this year we reported that Astoria Pool would not be opening this summer, as Mayor de Blasio declared that all NYC Pools would remain closed due to city budget cuts. Well, as with everything at this time changing so quickly, that decision has now been reversed.

The city is not opening every pool, but has made a selection of 15 (out of 53) NYC public pools that will indeed open back up over the next month or so, as a “targeted investment” of the budget. Lifeguards have been trained and are at the ready. A handful of pools are opening at the end of July, and the rest on August 1 — and that includes our own Astoria Pool!

Astoria Pool is an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and by far the largest one in New York City. It opened on July 4, 1936, and even held the Olympic Trials for the U.S. Swim and Diving Teams that very same year. It’s a must-visit for most Astorians every summer, located within Astoria Park along 19th St.

Of course, the openings will come with new rules and regulations. Though the city hasn’t made exact announcements about the plan yet, the New York State pool advisory will give us a clue. Here are some of the safety measures you can expect:

• All individuals must maintain a distance of at least six feet from other individuals at
  all times, unless they are members of the same household or family unit (with social distancing markers and signage required on site).
  • However, any time individuals are within six feet of individuals outside of their
    household or family unit and not in the water, they must wear an acceptable face
    covering that covers both the nose and mouth. Individuals must be prepared to
    don a face covering if another person unexpectedly comes within six feet.
• For health and safety concerns, ensure face coverings are not worn by individuals while
  they are in the water.
• Occupancy should be limited to the number of individuals and groups who can be safely and appropriately spaced six feet apart.
• Proper hand and respiratory hygiene supplies must be provided, including soap, running water,
  and disposable paper towels; alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60%
  alcohol for areas where handwashing facilities may not be available or practical; and
  tissues and trash receptacles
• Enhance cleaning and disinfection protocols, in compliance with all cleaning and
  disinfections procedures from NYSDOH, particularly cleaning and disinfection of hightouch areas, including railings, lockers, and chairs, and maintaining logs on site that
  document date, time, and scope of cleaning and disinfection

Though it will look different this summer, New Yorkers are likely happy to have some concrete ways to cool down once again.