Fort Totten Pool — Local services in New York

I arrived at this pool as soon as it opened today, 07/19, extremely excited to spend time with my family for my birthday weekend. This is my first time here, and upon arrival, it felt like going through TSA at the airport with the way everyone was speaking to us. They were yelling to put phones away, which was already very unprofessional. I chose this location specifically to avoid an unprofessional environment. While I was in the pool, my mother was sitting on a chair with no plans of getting in the water since she doesn't swim. I heard a tall man yelling at her from a distance, saying, 'THAT IS NOT A BATHING SUIT, YOU NEED TO CHANGE.' I was baffled that he was publicly embarrassing and harassing my mother very loudly in front of everyone about her attire.

I got out of the pool and approached them to ask what the issue was. He said that what she was wearing was not a bathing suit. I responded that it was. He then said the bottom piece was not a bathing suit. I explained that her bottom was made out of the same material as mine, and asked if it was an issue because she wasn't wearing a bikini. He said that wasn't what he meant and told me that if I wanted to have an attitude, I could leave. I said I had no problem leaving if that was how he intended to speak to my mother. I walked away to get my belongings. My mother continued to speak to him and explained that she is Christian and doesn't show skin because of her faith. As I was grabbing my belongings, the man said to my mother that she could stay, but I had to go, and pointed at me while looking at a police officer. I asked why, and he said, 'Because I said so.' I looked at another worker, who said, 'He's the supervisor; if he says you have to go, you have to go.'

I said that wouldn't be a problem and that I was leaving. Then the man, Brandon Dickson, said to my mother that we all had to leave since we were together. I did not threaten him or raise my voice higher than his; I simply defended my mother regarding her attire since he had loudly shared our business with the entire pool. He proceeded to start yelling at other people in the pool, telling them they needed to get out and change, but with some convincing, he allowed them to stay in the pool. However, because I defended my mother, my entire family had to leave. I have never experienced such an unprofessional, disrespectful, and harassing situation like this anywhere else. Not even in the most unprofessional environments have I been treated this way at a public pool. Even the staff seemed scared of this supervisor, Brandon Dickson. The entire staff appeared frightened to say anything in defense of a civilian. This has been an extremely terrible experience for me. I will never return and will be reporting this supervisor because his behavior is completely...

This review is based on my experience going there for the last 10+yrs, but mostly my most recent experience as of summer 2019...

Pool is nice, spacious, and deep. Has an area to accommodate different types of swimmers babies to seniors, experienced or not. Diving board equipped. Lifeguards on deck. Some lounge seating provided; first come, first serve. Kept pretty clean and kid friendly. No cell phones or electronics allowed, only books (and they're "selective" about "who" gets to bring "what" into the pool area; ie. preferential treatment? Idk...) so kids will definitely be focused on play time. Lockers provided, but you must bring your own lock. Free lunches provided to children. There is a shuttle provided for transport to and from pool. But most choose to walk. Takes like 5-10 mins, on an incline, depending on your fitness level.

That being saaaiiiddd...be prepared. The people who run it are sometimes rude AF (there are 1 or 2 friendly employees) but gotta tell it like it is. Some are in need of a course in customer service ASAP. Mind you I've been going for years and you would think the more seasoned employees would lead by example, but no. Sometimes they're the worst. Attitude for days. Most seemed like they didn't even want to be there of course. I get it. It's summer, it's hot. But it's the job you signed up for ¯(ツ)/¯. Do some people deserve attitude? Absolutely! But some were aggressive for no reason (heat maybe?), and some were mocking some of the patrons present at the pool that day (no manners maybe?) Moral of the story is, if you don't like your job and are going to make everyone around feel miserable, leave. Otherwise your gonna get yourself fired...

Anyways, they'll rush you to get out of the pool when it's closing time. I mean like you got 5 minutes top. Especially if it's lunch time. So I suggest you give yourself an early start when leaving the pool area. Sometimes they'll start evacuating way before times up anyways... again, depends on who's there and what the mood of the day is...

Other than that, if you don't let the petty little nonsenses faze you, you and your family will have fun. Happiness is a state of mind...

Love this pool. Small clean and very nice staff that runs this public pool. The entire place is pretty small. Since it is a public pool, there are rules to follow to enter. You approach the establishment and before your allowed entry you are greeted by staff. They make sure you have a bathing suit, lock and explain you must keep everything including electronics in your locker. You can bring a towel sunscreen beverage book slippers (crocks or sandals) goggles sunglasses to the pool deck. 2 kinds of lockers provided, the light yellow lockers are very small. The silver metal lockers are bigger but still small. Pack light. Or bring 2 locks for 2 lockers. I have seen quite a few people leave there clothing and belongings in lockers without locks. That is not advised, anyone can take your stuff. Lockers are not supervised. 2 bathrooms, men and woman. 2 stalls each. 1 very large changing room for families or large groups. When you are ready to get on to the pool deck you must rinse off in the outdoor shower(which is freezing cold water) quick rinse no big deal. The pool itself is not huge. But it has many different areas to enjoy. 3,4,5,6,10 and 12 feet. No jumping in 3-5feet. You can jump in 6,10 and 12 ft. A small kiddie pool is also available I think 1 ft. Water is checked every 30 minutes. A area with lawn chairs to put your belongings or to relax and suntan. Lunch is provided for children from the public school lunch program. Adults are welcome as well. You are free to bring your own food but it must be kept in locker until you want to eat. When you want to eat you must leave the pool and walk around to where the sitting area is. 5 picnic tables with umbrellas. Hours available to swim are 11am-2:45pm. 4pm-6:45pm. Wonderful time in a beautiful scenic area. Variety of people come to enjoy, older folks young children and families to annoying obnoxious teenagers. You gotta mix of everyone. I...