Gottesman Pool Opens in Central Park

New Pool Opens in Central Park
by Joseph Vizza | 07/02/2025 | 1:40pm

(Photo by Joseph Vizza for WFUV)

 

This summer, Harlem is reclaiming a beloved space — and making a splash in the process. The long-awaited Gottesman Pool has officially opened as part of the newly designed Davis Center at the north end of Central Park.

After four years of construction, the Davis Center is bringing popular outdoor amenities back to the Harlem community.

Harlem resident Alexis Gonzales attended the pool’s grand opening with her two sons. She said the pool represents more than just a new place to swim.

“This pool means a new beginning, a fresh start for myself and all the community members, especially my children,” Gonzales said.

The Gottesman pool, which can accommodate 1000 swimmers, is a multi-use space that will transform into an ice rink in the winter and a turf field in the spring and fall.

Darline LaLanne, who is Director of Public Programs at the Davis Center, said the previous facility was only available to residents in the summer and winter. LaLanne said the goal for the $160 million redesign was to provide year-round accessibility to residents.

“Harlem deserves a world-class facility,” she said.

According to LaLanne, the center has already seen more than 60,000 visitors since its opening in late April. The center hosted yoga, dance, and education programs this spring and is planning more events for the summer. LaLanne said she wants visitors to feel at home, and that future programming will pivot based on feedback from the community.

New York State Senator Cordell Cleare, a Harlem native, spoke at the pool’s opening event. She said the center will act as a vacation and relaxation destination for New Yorkers who do not travel over the summer.

“This is our Hamptons," she said. "This is our Martha’s Vineyard."

This story ran on the What’s What podcast from WFUV News on June 30, 2025.

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