Mayor Adams, Gov Hochul unveil innovative +Pool

Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul has made waves with the groundbreaking announcement of a revolutionary initiative aimed at transforming the city’s relationship with water.

The dynamic duo revealed plans for the first-of-its-kind floating swimming pool, the +Pool, set to grace the city’s waters, providing an unprecedented solution to enhance swimming access and bridge equity gaps for New Yorkers.

The visionary project, funded jointly by the city and state, aligns with Mayor Adams’ commitment to public safety, economic revitalization, and enhancing the city’s livability.

Governor Hochul, in collaboration with her NY SWIMS initiative, expressed pride in bringing forth this innovative floating pool concept, emphasizing its role in addressing the pressing issues of drowning as the leading cause of death for children aged 1-4 and the escalating challenges posed by extreme heat events.

Mayor Adams articulated the city’s mission, stating, “I’m proud to partner with Governor Hochul to bring the +Pool, a unique and innovative swimming pool, to New York City — expanding access to swimming for all New Yorkers.”

The collaborative effort aims to create a safe and enjoyable space for residents of all ages, promoting water safety education and recreational opportunities.

Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom emphasized the broader impact of the project, stating, “We are hopeful that this unique project will ultimately result in expanded access to swimming, help address equity access gaps, and show how a strong city-state partnership can benefit the community and the environment.”

Governor Hochul’s NY SWIMS initiative, a statewide investment in municipal swimming, is a bold plan to tackle water safety concerns not only in New York City but across the entire state.

The +Pool, a testament to this commitment, will undergo testing in the summer of 2024 and is projected to open its doors to the public the following year, subject to meeting all health and safety standards.

Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi highlighted the importance of creative solutions in the face of rising heat waves, stating, “With today’s announcement we are expanding our cooling efforts as well as our aquatic footprint, using our waterways for double duty — fun and safety. We’re just getting started.”

The New York State Department of Health will release new guidance to ensure the floating pool meets all appropriate public health standards.

This announcement builds on the city’s ongoing efforts to increase access to swimming pools, including significant investments in new recreation centers with indoor pools in Queens and Brooklyn.

The +Pool not only represents a leap forward in aquatic innovation but also signifies a commitment to a healthier, more inclusive, and resilient New York City. As the city dives into this exciting venture, it is poised to make a splash in the realm of urban recreation and public health.