FInally! If you're familiar with the city's rec centers and pool programs, you will really appreciate the lastest installment, The McCarren Park Pool and Play Center. Quickly, I'll point out the new indoor portion is simply stunning. Weight and cardio rooms lined with salvaged, repurposed planks off the Coney Island boardwalk add quite the touch. $75 gets you a 6 month membership at any center in the city. Only $50 for 6 months at the centers without pools. It's a city run program, so Equinox it is not. But c'mon. If you're looking for an affordable alternative to the typical city gym membership, they offer the basics at a VERY reasonable price. As for the brand new outdoor pool, it's great! Ahem, FREE, and great. Yeah, yeah, it's a public pool. There are rambunctious kids, the lifeguard whistles never cease, and there are tons of annoying rules to follow (you must have a lock, you can't bring food, no electronics, no clothing over your suit except a white t-shirt). But it's New York City. It's hot. And unless you have a membership to a private rooftop pool, you might want to adjust your expectations a bit. The pool is smaller than the super pool it once was, but it still holds roughly 1500 swimmers and looks about the size of a football field. It's very clean (for now). Some rules and employee attitudes are frustrating, but with so many people (and a variety of interpretations of 'common sense') wouldn't you rather a no-food rule than maybe an ice cream wrapper or a slice of pizza bobbing past? The lifeguards seem to have a LOT of rules to enforce, but let one kid cannonball, and now 300 kids want to. If you move to the middle instead of hugging the edges, you'll definitely have more room to move around. I went at 5:30 one evening for about an hour and scored a lounge chair. Will probably never happen again, but it was nice. Definitely less crowded at that time. Another time we went on the weekend and the line was around the block, but moved more quickly than I expected and we were poolside 30 min later. I apparently missed the 'lifeguard attack' day. So I guess you could say it's hit or miss but you won't know until you give it a few tries. I've heard tell that there will be a lap only swim early in the morning and in the evening starting July 9th. Yay! If you're willing to be patient and dial your expectations to 'realistic' you will find the pool is full of a lot boisterous, tactless people you wish weren't there, but also a lot of people just like you...people desperately looking for a spot in the hood to cool down on a hot day. And the McCarren Park Pool fits the bill. And if you simply hate it, I'm sure they'd be happy to give you your money back. read more

This pool RULES. There were some kinks last summer for sure but McCarren got it together this year! Yes, they're strict but that's because people don't know how to act. I appreciate their diligence to make sure we can all have a good/safe time. And I do think the staff is pretty respectful and try to convey the rules in a fun way. The pool itself is huge, clean, gorgeous and the water is literally the most perfect temperature I've ever felt in a pool. And it's free! read more

There is a lot of ordiance that needs to happen here. RULES: You can't enter without a lock for your belongings. Worry about getting your stuff stolen because some people cut locks or breaking into them. The regulators are rude. Its so packed even on a weekday and out of control. They offer lap pool after 7 when the public is forced to leave, but only for a small section and not the whole thing?! WHY NOT? read more

I visited the pool last Sunday (July 21) In the middle of the heat wave the only thing I was looking forward was a place to cool off.The lady at the front Sylvia was super nice! Gave me and my friend some sunscreen as I forgot mine, a true life saver!! The security guards were very also super polite and friendly. specially C. Phipps, T. Collins and A. Etienne. read more

I'm embarrassed to say that I thought that this venue had a real pool. A couple weeks after I moved to NYC, I saw that they had Sunday shows there in the afternoon. A couple of my friends were going to Long Beach or some beach off the LIRR and I suggested that we grab our bathing suits and head to McCarren Park Pool instead. I had visions of reliving the Smashing Pumpkins video for 1979, where all the kids get thrown in the pool with the lawn chairs and great underwater shots. Yeah, good thing they set me straight. A few months later I hopped the L train over to the venue to see Chemical Bros. The shows start really early there because they have to end around 10 or so (I'm not fact checking this post). This proves to be a blessing and a curse. Blessing - I love that you still have time to hit up some bars after and if it is on a weeknight, you can get home at a decent hour. Curse - the shows start early - like 7pm - and that can really put a snag in Saturday night plans. You get out of the venue and if you are like me, you've been dancing for a couple hours, so you look like a hot mess. Wow, that is a sad reason to take a star away. Sorry McCarren Park Pool. I'll take the fall for this. I guess I can't give myself 5 stars either. That brings me to my next review.....http://www.yelp.com/biz/OOfEAHuKfGIgDyhb1mG5Ig#hrid:Hq0XI_F5hZnRcwVVsg7C3w read more

Ummm, I didn't hate this? Yes, you will have to wait in line. Yes, you will be forced to lock up your personal belongings, strip down, and shower (during which you will overhear more than one unfortunate Holocaust metaphor), and no, you can't bring anything besides yourself and a towel into the pool area. However, the pool itself was quite nice! Not too crowded on a Friday afternoon, a comfortable temperature, and lacking the "roving, rowdy, youths" that Gothamist and the NYTimes have been squawking about. It's hot out, it's free, I'd come back. read more

I think the pool was more interesting when it was a fenced in urban forest/landfill. I was initially really into the idea of it becoming a music venue - there were great acts and it was so close. After a couple of visits I changed my mind. 1. The acoustics really aren't that great. 2. It's only open in the summer. 3. The summer is hot. 4. You are standing on a concrete pad with no shade. 5. Did I mention the summer is hot? 6. The lines were terribly long. 7. Not everyone was meant to slip and slide. I do have one fond memory there. It was a critical mass ride that ended up with the pool as the final destination. We were riding in the pool during a dance performance! After this pool's brief stint as a music venue, it will take on it's least interesting persona - an actual pool. read more

A bunch of teenagers jumping in front of families waiting in line for 2 hrs all getting in first. Gangs of them. No one monitoring the line

Great pool. Went with my one year old. Didn't get any fuss from anyone. I left all of my belongings in my sons stroller and came back out to it safe and sound. . This pool was very clean and across from McCarren Park which is great to walk around and dry off in. A forty minute commute by train from my house but very well worth it. My son had a blast and best of all it was free !!! We will be going a few more times before the summer is out. read more

Eli needs go. He is not nice to the kids. Seriously tho Eli is a goat. He is top tier lifeguard.

The first time my girlfriend Leah and I went to McCarren Park Pool, we saw what was most likely the last concert ever here-Sonic Youth, August 30th, 4p.m. By far one of the best shows we have ever seen and we're both from the live music Capitol of the world-Austin, TX. The rustic, broken down feel and look of the place is a photographer's wet dream. Being a small part of the history of the Pool in seeing a band that is undoubtedly tied to the legacy of McCarren Park was unforgettable. Fitting that the last song that Sonic Youth played was "Making the Nature Scene". The water along with the millions will start to flow soon and the Park will get completely revamped so kids will have a place to piss and play. So just as Lee Renaldo said just before they walked off the stage, "I'll see you at the pool!" read more

It's free, it's open daily during the summer, it's large and can accommodate a lot of people! I really cannot say anything more. It's a great place to have close by during summer. There is a designated part for the kids, there is a general area and there are some tracks for people who want to swim. All you need to get in is a towel, a swimming suit and a padlock. Enjoy! read more

What an awesome pool! I wish I could give it more stars! Yes they have a lot of rules but they don't take away from the experience. The pool is HUGE, I mean really HUGE! There is a separate area to swim laps if you want which is cool. Some things to know before you go: you MUST bring a sturdy lock. Combination lock is the best. They are very strict about this and will ask to see it before you are let in. NO electronics by the pool, you have to store them in your locker. You can't even use your phone in the locker room, which i thought was a bit bizarre..some girl was yelled for using her phone in the locker room, would have thought she brought a bomb out by the way they were freaking out.... NO food. That kind of sucks when you have a long day there, you're gonna get hungry...there is a food truck outside, but no fast food places which would be helpful to grab a quick bite. You are allowed to bring water though thankfully. All the strict rules aside it was a great experience. The pool itself is gorgeous and big and very clean. Lots of area to lay out and tan on. A great place to cool off! read more

Looks like a cool pool to hang out in. Did not come prepared to come in. I will next time. The location is 776 lorimer read more

See all

I've spent many a memorable time at the pool: standing in line meeting new friends, free concerts, free movie nights, craft fairs, etc... Perfect place to bring visiting friends and family. I always make sure to bring something to sit on and plenty of snacks and booze for the long lines. I will greatly miss them next year when the actual pool is back. UPDATE: MGMT, Ting Tings, Felice Brothers, Yo La Tengo, shows were all amazing this year. Rushmore, Blue Velvet, Velvet Goldmine, Virgin Suicide, 28 Days Later movies defined my summer! Thanks! read more

Despite the fact that it's basically just a giant recessed concrete swath of land, McCarren Pool feels like summer. Who doesn't like going to a concert venue with a slip'n slide? It's a great re-use of a space and the city should be commended for having the foresight to see the potential. However, there are some drawbacks: first, the sound sucks. This is mostly due to the fact that it's a huge square with no acoustic considerations, and really the best you can do is be as close as you can to the stage otherwise all you hear is low end. Second, with little to offer in terms of shade, the whole venue becomes a giant heatsink in the afternoon, which means what you're slipping 'n sliding on is probably a solution composed of primarily sweat and suntan lotion. I propose a solution to problem #2: fill the pool back up 7-10 inches during concerts, keep the water flowing, let concert goers take off their shoes and socks, roll up their pants and enjoy America's most independent indie rock bands in style. If you're a hydrophobe, you can sit and watch outside of the pool with your stupid Chuck Taylors suffocating the shit out of your dogs. Let's face it, everybody likes cool feet, and I've already got athletes foot (who doesn't?), so unless you've got a problem with either, let's work to fill that fucker up so we can all mosh to Interpol in slow-mo! read more

OBSESSED. I spend my sundays in B'burg, Brooklyn baby. Dodgeball (it's illegal in gym class in Illinois), beer, and a drained out pool with awesome concerts and even more awesome people are where it's at. Hit up some brunch at Bliss or Fada or Egg first, then mosey on over to the JellyNYC free!!! pool parties and behave like you are in college all over again. It's socially acceptable, and way better than laying hungover in your bed. MGMT was amaaaaaazing, even tho it was thunderstorming, the place was still a mad house. Love it! Oh yeah, and don't miss the kickball tourney's on the way to the pool via McCarren Park. Remind you of your childhood anyone? P.S, they are filling up the pool with water (NOOOOOOOO) next summer, so go this summer while your fun-loving self can! read more

It gets 3 stars because it's free and quite beautifully renovated. If it was a privately run establishment, it would get a 1. But then if it was privately run, it wouldn't have rude employees and riff-raff clientelle. I went at 6.30 desperate to get a little swim in on this scorcher and a mannerless representative incapable of eye contact told me quite rudely that it was closed. I had explicitely checked the website ahead of time to see if there was a time when they would stop taking visitors, but they said it was open 4-7. She said they closed the gate at 6, with no signage to back it up, but to the contrary, signage saying it was open 4-7. I slipped in by saying I wanted to talk to the manager, then immediately when I got out to the pool there were about 100 whistles going off from the lifeguards as authority-averse packs of teens jumped into the pool en-masse, with no apparent repercussions. I think the pool should require some sort of membership card, so that misbehavior can be punished with suspension. I'm thinking I'll try to go weekdays when I'm not working in the morning shift, to avoid the after school set and crowds. Will amend my review if that's a better experience. read more

This place is pretty awesome. Free shows in the summer as well as free movies. I remember coming here to see TV on the Radio, too bad they were lame. It started pouring rain and I got soaking wet. Good thing they had a GIANT SLIP AND SLIDE. at that point i was at full saturation, so a slip in slide in all of my clothes was not out of the question. my shoes got all moldy because of it. good thing they werent like evelenty million dollar shoes. read more

I saw the movie "Bring it on" and a couple of shows here, and besides it being so hot, I had a great time. Its a good spot to people watch. It's like the town square for hipsters. But it's still a great spot, like I mentioned before. *Caution: There is an abundance of American Apparel Tshirts and black rim glasses here. read more

I visited NY in the summer for almost 2 weeks. I stayed with a friend in Brooklyn and he couldn't wait to take me and another friend to McCarren Park Pool. It was July and about 200 degrees in Brooklyn...kind of chilly if you ask me. Actually waiting in line and listening to my skin sizzle was a lot of fun. So many different types of people were showing up and braving the sun and it's damaging effects to hear a free concert, And come on, Matt&Kim, The Whip AND the Breeders all in one show[for FREEFREEFREE]...yeah, bring on the cancer! Bring on the denied water bottles at the gate and bring on over priced beers and ice creams!!!!!!!! As long as they have some TOPSHOP giveaways going on too, then it's all worth it! What a great utilization of an empty swimming pool. Nice touch with the noodle men, slip&slide and volley ball court. Even the portable toilets were refreshing enough[syke]. Midweek we went to see "The Virgin Suicides" projected on a big screen. Everyone huddled together on their blankets or on the ground. The smell of some skunky weed floating through the air and couples making out.....NY in the summer. Yum.... Anyway, during the end of the week at some point, my friends car broke down in the middle of freaking Manhattan and we were forced to stay in NY for another weekend. Our mutual friend in Brooklyn had left for a wedding that day but was kind enough to allow us to stay in his apartment a couple more nights... He reminded us of all the free things we could possibly do in NY that weekend....We ended up going to McCarren park for another free show. I feel ridiculous, but I can't remember the bands playing that Sunday, except for LIARS. And man, they are what made being completely broke, sweating like a pig and dehydration/hunger feel okay. I heard that this was also the last summer they are doing the Pool Party...SAY IT AIN'T SO. I would definitely like to attend another one in the future. read more

Kopl king sized pool with a capital K There are time you're allowed in. People do their laps, so I hadda wait for their leaving announcement to get ready for my swim. Brings me back to my swimming lessons and Ice-Skating lessons. Lots of water, yes chlorine I wear a swimming cap. Largest free pool-park in Brooklyn and I tried em all. This is number #1. Nice park for recreating nd sunbathing. I call it sunbaking I get colour after I burn it turns into a beautiful golden tan. Should have one by end of next week. That's why I'm always in the suna nd wearing tanks, so my body can soak up the sun and get colour. read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE this locally family owned business! If you are a smart pool owner you will without a doubt choose this place for all your pool needs from now on! This place is amazing! They have everything you need to care for your pool, not only do they have a great selection of products with amazing rates but the customer service is like none-other. They go above and beyond to help you out and answer all your questions. read more

I went on Tuesday at 230 on 7/3 and what a nightmare! I stood on a somewhat short line (after seeing the crowds of people from the weekend, I wasn't going to complain about waiting for 30 minutes). About 20 min in, a staff member came down the line to tell everyone they must have a lock because no electronics, purses etc are allowed on deck. My boyfriend went home to get our lock. Meanwhile, I spent the next hour sandwiched between two families with loud, rambunctious kids. At one point, the mom behind me screamed a few inches from my ear in the direction of her 5 year old "BE FUCKING QUIET" but not before she beat him senseless. After which, he threw a tantrum while punching me in the back. When my boyfriend finally returned with the lock around 415, I had just made my way up to the front of the line. Another staff member told us for future visits, each person had to have their own lock but he let us through (after checking our bag). We never made it to the pool, however, because the final "supervisor" (under the influence of "gold badge power") would not let us in without a second lock. After explaining that my boyfriend would not be locking anything up (because he was wearing a bathing suit, a t-shirt and a hat) she said once inside he would have to remove his shirt and hat. Meanwhile, to the right, families of 5 and 6 were walking in with one lock. At this point the line snaked around the block. Eventually we surrendered, while sheepishly murmuring a final "you need to do a better job informing your staff." I blame myself, what was I thinking going to a free pool? We all know the crowd something like that attracts. And I went on a violence-free day. Perhaps the inside is so fantastic, it's worth the hell but I was not (un)lucky enough to find out. read more

Well, what can I say? Unfortunately the city had a great idea here in re-opening what has become a beautiful pool, but lack of resources has made it a sore spot. The rules seem ok--you must bring a lock. BUT what good is locking up your stuff when there is lack of security to make sure the locks don't get broken? The capacity is listed at 1500..ok that's fine--the pool is huge! However, when there are 1500 people in an enclosed space, don't you think more police officers should be on hand--especially in a place boasted by the city as "free"? Of course underprivileged youth are going to show up and many of these people lack a good upbringing in the home--a.k.a manners!! Kids are going to be kids and start trouble. When the lifeguards blow the whistle and say "out of the pool", how does that translate to "let's keep jumping in"? Idiots! Honestly, the way these kids act these days....let me not go on... At any rate, I will not be returning. Guess what? The beach is free too.... read more

For a recently renovated public pools, this one could use a lot of improvements. I'm a mom of a five year old boy. Apparently the age limit for a boy to enter the women's bathroom is four at this pool. There are so many other reasons a place like this should have a unisex/family bathroom. I have visited other pools in NYC, it seems that each make up their own rules. read more

I like this pool a lot. Yes, the people who work there are rigid and there are lots of rules. They seem to truly enjoy the power that they have over you but they are not all unfriendly. Sometimes the rules are arbitrary, one day it's one thing and the next day it's another. But some of the reviews below should convince you that you do actually need a lock and that no, you should not bring your phones or electronics out to the deck. I can only guess as to why they don't want you to wear shorts or shirts in the pool unless they are white but I'll take a wild guess that it has something to do with cleanliness. If you follow the reasonable rules and ignore the autocratic behavior of the staff (try smiling at them and saying hello), and manage to get past the showers, enjoy the huge free, safe & clean pool that has been provided by tax dollars for your enjoyment. Go for a swim and relax. Have a free lunch if you qualify (it has never been offered to me) and lighten up. read more

I will forever tie McCarren Pool to Bloc Party, one of my favorite bands, since that's where I first saw them and I believe it was the first live show there (summer of '06). Thus, it's hard for me to rate a venue without tying it to the performances by the acts that performed there. Shit, Bloc Party could've performed in a McDonald's and I would've still been a happy camper and raved about the "venue". I've now been back to McCarren for a bunch of other shows (Feist, Cat Power, Beastie Boys, etc). Nothing comes as close to my first experience and the novelty of watching my favorite band on a summer evening in what used to be a swimming pool. I thought it was cool that the shape of the pool provided a slant of some sort so that somehow you can get a decent view from different edges. I liked the open feel... the fact that you can really sense you were in Brooklyn (esp when the Beasties belted out the appropriate lyrics, "no sleep! no sleep 'til Brooklyn!"). I would've easily given this place 5 stars but after several visits, I have become a bit more discerning and critical of McCarren as a concert venue. I have noticed that the sound / acoustics isn't all that great. But my biggest beef with this place is the ultra slow and inefficient beer line. It is simply ridiculous. I probably have spent a third of my total time spent at this place waiting in line for a wrist band / beer / food. For a venue of this size, there REALLY needs to be a more efficient system and definitely a few more stands. They've managed to create an area with plenty of porta-potties, why can't they reserve a space just as big for beer!?!? The process is so insanely slow. You first wait in this massive line just to get your ID checked for a wristband. Then, you wait in the beer line forever and ever and ever. I kid you not that I spent half of the Beastie Boys show in line for beer. Yes, stupid of me to waste that much of time but after waiting for 20+ minutes, you figure, "I'm almost there... I can taste the beer at this point... I'm sure I'll get to the front soon." But no!! It's another 20 minutes! And once you do get up there, you'll be served very sloppy cups of beers by ppl that don't give a shit and not care if they're making a huge mess at the table and spill beer all over you. I truly hope they'll solve this beer line problem... once they do, I'll have no issues raising my rating to 5 stars. However, how can you let such things as beer ruin memories?? No way. Still a solid 4 stars in my books since I'll always be reminded great music at this place. And now I've learned to do some pre-drinking before coming here so that I can avoid the beer lines altogether. read more

Ok so I have read all the pretty funny reviews from disgruntled patrons and while I will admit allot of what is being said it true I feel I must speak up for the good. So myself and my kids have pretty much spent every day at the pool, we avoid weekends as too busy. The 1st day was a bit if a shock, "don't do this, go here!, shower now! Your not wet enough! You get the picture. But having read allot of news from what went down a few years ago I wasn't surprised about the zero tolerance. Now we have swam there, my kids have had swim lessons and I joined up for the lap swim (ALL FREE!) and I find the staff really nice, helpful and they have done a great job when you consider some of the attitude they have to put up with. I have seen parents literally go crazy at a guard who stopped a tot who was headed for Deep water and held on to her until some time later her parents could be arsed to wonder where their little precious had gone. I applaud you all! Thanks and look forward to next year! Oh and did I mention it's flippin free and your kids get FREE lunch you ungrateful stuck up lot!! read more

I guess we have Robert Moses to thank for something, because this is a great place to see a show. (The pool was built by the WPA in the 1930s.) You can watch the moon rise over the... condos... as you're rocking out. I just saw Feist there, and it was grand. The strings of colored lights above the stage are nice. I could have used a break from the unremitting hipness, but still, it was definitely a good time. read more

Funny how last year I made a review about this pool but it was suddenly removed because someone thought it was offensive. This doesn't change the fact that although the pool is nice and so are the guest, the staff are extremely rude and unprofessional. read more

A fifty million dollar renovation. open to the public. what a gift. my son loves it. i dont know why more people dont say "thank you!" read more

I used to swim here when I was a kid. For years there was talk of re-opening it,.... I'm waiting...(the 5 stars go to the old pool, not the music venue) read more

Writing a review for this pool makes me wish it was summer right now. It's gorgeous and quite large! My friend and I were out of breath after swimming a couple laps from one end to the other. On the particular day we went there really wasn't a line at all, we got there about 10 mins before it opened. I love a good swim and this pool gets the job done. The pool attendants make you shower before going in, which is a little annoying but also assures that the pool stays clean. Only a couple of drawbacks, like the one other public pool I've been to in the city there are no lounge chairs and the water was preettty chilly even on a summer day. Although I'm a wimp when it comes to jumping into cold pools. All in all, I would definitely recommend to a friend. PS: Remember to bring a lock! read more

McCarren Park Pool isn't just for live music! I came here for the Renegade Craft Fair, and it was amazing! I bet there is no finer use of an abandoned pool than McCarren! Yes, it is hipsterville, but that is part of the fun! read more

There's a new kid in town on the live music scene, and it's here to give it's siblings a run for their money. Lo and behold, it's not in the scenesterish Union Square environs, nor is it a Times Square haunt, or a ballroom or converted theater. Nope, get a load of this. It's an abandoned pool on the edge of nowhere, beyond Williamsburg, in Brooklyn. Being in Williamsburg, the hamlet of hipness defined, it should have come as no surprise that it would be the hotspot of summer 2006. But who would guess that a decrepit old community pool, all cracked concrete, chipped paint, spraypainted walls, splintered wood beams, would be the draw to NYC for some of the biggest names in alt rock today. Not I. But Ron Delsener sure did. One of the touring industry's biggest heavy-hitters, Ron Delsener Presents (a division of Live Nation, formerly Clear Channel Entertainment), saw its potential as a fantastic performance space for their more cutting edge artists. All that would be needed to restore the pool to its former glory is a mere $40M. (Yikes!) To get the fundraising ball rolling, 2005 saw the first performance in the space -- an experimental dance project. But 2006 is when it finally reached a wider audience. With free "Pool Party" concerts each weekend, featuring the likes of Beirut, Deerhoof, The Detroit Cobras, and other up-and-comers, hipsters have come out of the woodwork to enjoy a summer flush with free music. Then come the ticketed concerts, like Bloc Party, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Shins, Neko Case, Gov't Mule & Wolfmother, and you've got a venue that registers on the radar in a really big way. The booking agent is giving Irving and Hammerstein a run for their money, being that the pool can accommodate everything from a nice, intimate evening to a massive sold-out crowd of 5K (i.e. Bloc Party or the Yeah Yeah Yeahs). Mighty impressive for an upstart in need of a serious face lift. I've already been to 3 shows there in the last month, and have another 3 to look forward to before the end of summer. Huzzah, I'm happy to head back. With its clear-as-a-bell sound, and setup that allows you to head right up to the very front, or pull up a beach blanket and relax anywhere across the pool, it's fit for most anyone's concert-going preferences. Just don't forget to drop a buck in the buckets at the entrance, so McCarren can get the refurbishing it deserves. A word on transportation, which I found a bit daunting my first time. Take the L train to the Bedford stop, which sneaks up on you quickly, so keep your eye out. Walk Northeast from 7th St up Bedford. Continue beyond 12th St. along the baseball diamond that is the first of McCarren Park's many playfields, and continue beyond the second playfield containing the jogging track. The pool is the large, brick red structure just beyond the track, at the intersection of Bedford, Nassau and Lorimer streets. You can bring blankets and picnic stuff, but leave the booze at home, as you can get Brooklyn Brewery's many beers on tap for $5 a cup. (The Weiss Bier is particularly good on a sweltering hot summer afternoon.) Too hot for comfort and the beer isn't cooling enough? Soak yourself on the slip-and-slide, and get in touch with your inner Peter Pan. Or further relive your childhood with a rousing game of kickball between sets. read more

Went to go see the YYYs/Sonic Youth. Waiting time between sets was passed by sitting on the railing, enjoying the sunset, and people watching. Open, outdoor setting so you don't feel closed in. Long beer lines and portable pottys. read more

Very pretty, clean and cool for now. I wish i could go more often but they don't open early enough and when they are open there are too many rowdy kids. You can't really relax with someones foot kicking water in your face. If you hang out in the deeper areas there are less children. If you do decide to venture here make sure not to take anything of value because you have to keep it in the lockers which have been know to get broken into and be a wear you can only bring a book sunscreen and a towel to the pool area. read more

I was really nervous this morning in anticipation of meeting the monstrous line for the pool as I'd heard some people talk about already. I arrived at the park at 10:20am, and found the line to be not too bad, I was in the shade at least. 5 minutes later the line started snaking around the block, and as 11am approached (opening time) I couldn't see the end of it anymore. All in all, I actually got into the pool at 11:30a.m. but it was worth it. Brand-spankin new and oh so refreshing. I do wish they'd do something about line jumpers though, I can see it becoming a problem. Just like any other city pool, you need to be wearing a swimsuit, have your own lock, leave all your crap in the locker - minus sunscreen, sunglasses, and towel. And you must shower (read: spray water on you) before leaving the locker room. I also feel bad for the lifeguards having to regulate these rowdy city kids, I salute you folks. But you do what you do to get some pool time in in NYC - I'd only tried Astoria pool previously. This one was nicer. read more

I was lucky enough to catch I'm From Barcelona (covering "Like a Prayer," no less) and Blonde Redhead at one of the pool parties. Unfortunately, I think the NY Times killed the intimacy of the parties with their write-up. Still, there was a slip n slide and an aggressive dodgeball game to check out in between sets. It made me wish I lived in Brooklyn...almost. read more