Williamsburg and Greenpoint are known for their restaurants, boutiques, independent concert venues, and galleries. Bedford Avenue, the artsy main street, is a destination in Williamsburg, and Greenpoint has the incredibly vibrant Manhattan Avenue. However, if you are looking to combine your visit to Brooklyn with a swim, there are fantastic seasonal and seasonal pools here in Williamsburg and Greenpoint. From the indoor Metropolitan Pool to the restored McCarren Park Pool, there are plenty of places to swim.
Metropolitan pool
This recreation center near Bedford Avenue features an indoor pool for exercise or fun. The metropolitan pool is a great option for Williamsburg residents who like to swim for exercise. The pool and changing rooms are clean, but it can be difficult to find a time when the lanes are not full. They go particularly crazy on the weekends. Go during the day or in the early hours of the morning. The lanes are organized by speed: fast, medium or slow. As with all public pools in New York, be sure to bring a swimming cap, which is mandatory, and your own combination lock to protect your belongings.
Flip flops are a good idea too. For the more serious athletes, you will want to join a gym with more equipment. The attraction of this New York recreation center is definitely the pool.
McCarren Park Pool
Take the old-school approach and head to this local public pool (it’s free!) Which reopened in 2012. This seasonal public pool is open in the summer months. The pool is part of Brooklyn history. “McCarren Pool was one of eleven pools opened by Robert Moses in 1936. The pool closed in 1984 and remained unused until the summer of 2005, when the empty pool was opened as a popular venue for concerts, dances and movies.” Take a look at the restored bathhouse and archway as you enter the premises. Don’t forget to bring a lock to secure your belongings in your lockers.
McCarren Hotel and Pool
If you are looking for a hipster pool, you need to pay a day or night to swim in the McCarren Pool at the McCarren Hotel and Pool in Williamsburg. You can buy passes in advance or at the gate. They also offer a party package, if you plan to bring friends. Or if you don’t want to shell out the cash, you can go to the public pool in Williamsburg. Either way, you can cool off in the water and enjoy a day in the pool.
The William Vale
Vale Pool, a rooftop pool at the new William Vale in the heart of Williamsburg, has the longest hotel pool in New York City. The 60 foot pool is a great place to swim. If you don’t want to take a dip, you can soak up the rays and atmosphere while listening to the DJ’s tunes. In addition to hanging out during the summer months by the pool, you can also take in the stellar views of Manhattan. Sip a drink by the pool and enjoy a quiet and quite modern day in this new pool.
YMCA Greenpoint
If you are a YMCA member, take a dip in the pool at YMCA Greenpoint or purchase a guest pass. Check the pool calendar on their website. The YMCA also teaches swimming and water aerobics classes. The indoor pool is popular with the locals and is located on Meserole Avenue.
Edited by Alison Lowenstein
