Arverne East Scores $10M for a Public Pool Facility
By Katie McFadden
Things are going swimmingly in the future pool department. Just ahead of Labor Day weekend, Governor Kathy Hochul announced nearly $150 million in capital grants have been awarded to fund 37 projects in underserved communities across the State as part of the New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) initiative – New York’s biggest investment in swimming since the New Deal. Of that funding, $46.1 million has been awarded to NYC Parks, $10 million of which will go to developing a brand new Arverne East Aquatic Center.
“Every region of New York State will soon have brand new public pools to help provide New York families with safe ways to learn how to swim,” Governor Hochul said. “There is a clear need and demand for reliable and accessible swimming facilities, and these programs will enhance the health and well-being of communities and families all across the State.”
The historic $150 million NY SWIMS investment to support pools in underserved communities is New York’s biggest investment in swimming since the New Deal. The program provides grants between $50,000 and $10 million to help municipalities design, construct, rehabilitate, or modernize public swimming facilities, with a focus on supporting disadvantaged and underserved communities that lack access to safe swimming and outdoor recreation opportunities. Applications were evaluated on characteristics of project need, impact and viability. In addition to various costs to develop swimming areas, a portion of NY SWIMS grants can be used to add amenities, including splash pads, concession stands, picnic areas and playgrounds.
“Access to safe swimming facilities shouldn’t be a luxury — it’s a necessity, especially as climate change makes our summers warmer and warmer,” Mayor Eric Adams said. “We’re investing more money in New York City’s pools than at any point in the last 50 years, and we’re grateful to Governor Hochul for her partnership in making sure that New Yorkers in all five boroughs can beat the heat and learn to swim in high-quality swimming pools.”
According to a press release from NYC Parks, “Parks will develop a new aquatics center that features both an outdoor and indoor pool, serving as a hub for recreation, fitness, and aquatics related training. This project will bring the Rockaway Peninsula its first public pool.” This pool would be on the same Arverne East site where NYC Parks’ 35-acre nature preserve opened in May 2023, and where further development is taking place. Arverne East is located on the oceanfront between Beach 32nd Street and Beach 56th Place.
Back at a meeting in July, Clare Hilger of the Rockaway Water Safety Coalition, asked the Rockaway Beach Civic Association to write a letter of support for a L + M Development Partners LLC, the developers of the Arverne East project, in the mission to apply for a grant through the NY SWIMS program. She advised that the letter request a pool at least 25-meters long, with six lanes, so it could serve multiple purposes including swim meets, lifeguard training, swim lessons and more. The RBCA overwhelmingly voted to support writing the letter.
The Rockaway Times reached out to L + M Development Partners LLC for confirmation that a pool will now be a part of the Arverne East site and if more details were available. The partners confirmed the news but did not share more details at this time.
