Central Park's First Pool In 4 Years At The $160M Davis Center Has 3-Hour Wait Times — Tips & Alternatives For Your Next Dip

On Friday, June 27th, **NYC public pools** officially opened for the 2025 summer season , including the new, highly-anticipated **Gottesman Pool** in Central Park. Part of the $160 million **Davis Center** project, this facility replaces the Lasker Rink and provides new ways to utilize a once-forgotten space. (And it just so happens its grand opening decided to perfectly align with **NYC’s heat wave**.) Betsy Smith , President and CEO of the Central Park Conservancy said, “What once was a beloved but aging facility is now a beautiful, welcoming place that celebrates Central Park and welcomes New Yorkers to swim, skate, learn and connect – all year round.” The only problem? All of NYC is dying to venture uptown for a dip. Gottesman Pool tips and alternatives ------------------------------------ TikTok videos began circulating detailing extensive lines at the Gottesman Pool, some reportedly stretching upwards of three hours. Even though it’s said to be the city’s eighth-largest public pool , which holds up to 1,000 swimmers, a three-hour-long wait is certainly no joke, especially when the heat feels opressive. > @news2tunes #nyc#cebtralpark#myperogative #pool ♬ My Prerogative – Bobby Brown If you’re keen on taking a dip in the new facility, you’ll have to plan your outing wisely: the pool is open daily from 11am-7pm, and cleaning takes place from 3-4pm. You’ll likely want to get there at least an hour ahead of schedule in order to get a good spot on the line. Alternatively, you can also opt for a time that might have less crowds later in the evening. Should the wait feel a bit extensive, there are other options within the area: * The Frederick Douglass Pool on Amsterdam Avenue (Between 100 and 102nd Streets) * Abe Lincoln Pool (5th Ave & East 135th Street – 50′ x 30′ x 3′) * Marcus Garvey Pool (124th St and Fifth Ave) * Van Cortlandt Park Pool, Bronx (242nd Street and Broadway) Be sure to also scope out some of **our favorite rooftop pools** if you’re looking to cool off with a view to boot. No matter where you end up, just remember to bring the SPF and a towel. (Public pools will require you to bring a lock to store your items.) Source: https://secretnyc.co/gottesman-pool-central-park-three-hour-waits/