Central Park’s Stunning New Gottesman Pool Opens Friday
There is good news for city parents who are searching for a fun, free way to keep the kids active and cool this summer without schlepping to a crowded beach or trekking across the boroughs. Starting Friday, June 27, a brand-new public pool is opening on the northern edge of Central Park, and it’s one of the most family-friendly additions the city has seen in years.
The new Gottesman Pool, which is the centerpiece of the brand new Davis Center at the Harlem Meer, isn’t your typical city pool. It’s a massive, beautifully designed space where kids can swim, parents can relax (a little, at least), and families can enjoy the lazy, hazy days of summer while splashing around right in Central Park.
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The first thing to know is that the pool is huge—285 feet long, with room for more than 1,000 swimmers. The layout is designed for comfort and accessibility, and has a curved, open-air design, with lots of space to spread out. Landscaping around the pool flows right into the park, giving an open feeling. You could easily spend the whole afternoon poolside and not feel like you’re at a typical city public pool.
One of the best parts is that it’s completely free, just like all of NYC’s public outdoor pools. There are no tickets or sign-ups, and no hidden fees. You can just show up, secure your belongings, and jump in.
When to Go and What to Bring
- Open daily from 11 am to 7 pm, with a one-hour break from 3–4 pm for cleaning
- No ID required to get in
- You’ll need to bring a solid lock if you plan to stash your stuff or change clothes. Locker and changing room access require one
- Pack light: No food, electronics, or colorful clothing on the pool deck. White T-shirts only
Davis Center
The Gottesman Pool is just one part of the new Davis Center, a $160 million project that has completely reimagined this part of the park. There are updated locker rooms, shaded seating for parents and caregivers, and a station where free summer meals are provided to children as part of NYC’s Free Summer Meals Program. The program offers free meals at parks, pools, and libraries from June 27 through August 29. No ID, immigration status, or registration is required for free meals for children 18 and under.
Though the Gottesman pool will close at the end of summer, this area of the park isn’t just a summer destination. Once the weather cools down, the entire space transforms. In the fall, the pool will convert into a turf field, and when winter hits, it becomes an ice rink.
Let’s Swim NYC
The opening of the Gottesman Pool is part of the city’s broader Let’s Swim NYC initiative, a billion-dollar investment in swimming infrastructure aimed at making pools more accessible, especially in neighborhoods that have historically had fewer resources. With hotter summers becoming the norm, the city is recognizing that pools aren’t just for fun but critical public spaces that support health, safety, and equity for all New Yorkers.
So if you’ve been dreading another sweaty subway ride to an overcrowded splash pad (and who doesn’t?!), consider this your new summer sanctuary. Whether your little one is learning to swim, your tween just wants to cannonball 20 times in a row, or you’re simply looking for a cool spot to hang out as a family, the Gottesman Pool is ready.
Psst… Meet Central Park’s Newest Gem: The Davis Center at Harlem Meer is Open for Families!
