Summer scenes 2012: Hot spots in NYC to check out

Discover three summer scenes in New York and get the scoop on what’s happening from people we found at these hot spots.

By Natalie Gavilanes and Marisa LaScala Tue Jul 17 2012

McCarren Park Pool

Photograph: Marielle Solan

McCarren Park Pool

Click forward through the slide show to see who we found
Photograph: Marielle Solan

Lisa Rogers, 23; nanny; Williamsburg, Brooklyn
“The water is actually pretty deep, so you can really swim and cool off. And the locker rooms are really nice.”
Photograph: Marielle Solan

Nicole Thomas, 22, student, Midtown West
“When we first got here, the line was around the block, but it was always moving, so it wasn’t too bad.”
Photograph: Marielle Solan

Miguel Cosme, 48; truck driver; Ridgewood, Queens
“I had to come because it reminded me of being eight or nine years old and swimming here. It closed when I was in my twenties. People used to climb over the fence to come here at night. I came here on a date about six years ago to look around, and it was all empty and corroded—they’d only done little fills. Now, it’s beautiful.”
Photograph: Marielle Solan

Melissa Rosa, 30; direct-support professional; Ridgewood, Queens
“I’ve been to pools in Staten Island, but this one is so much nicer. It’s so clean. I came with my whole family—my sister came all the way from Buffalo. We can all just sit here and not be bothered.”
Photograph: Marielle Solan

McCarren Park Pool
Photograph: Marielle Solan

McCarren Park Pool
Photograph: Marielle Solan

McCarren Park Pool
Photograph: Marielle Solan

McCarren Park Pool
Photograph: Marielle Solan

McCarren Park Pool

Photograph: Marielle Solan

McCarren Park Pool

Click forward through the slide show to see who we found

The last time lines snaked from the imposing brick entryway down Lorimer Street, Sonic Youth was set to perform at the last of JellyNYC’s Pool Parties. After the facility’s $50 million renovation, the queues have returned, formed by families eager to try the new 1,500-person-capacity swimming hole. But even with more than a thousand swimmers, everyone has enough room.

Kids have their run of the deck at the top of the massive 37,571-square-foot U-shaped pool, splashing their way through spray fountains and shallow paddling areas. Make for the other side, where the families thin out and the water, accentuated by the painted bottom, looks Mediterranean blue. Patrons are more relaxed here, either cooling off with a dip, sunbathing, swimming in the designated lap lanes or playing volleyball in a sand court off to the side.

Be warned: Rules are strictly enforced, especially after the local press reported fights, arrests and theft (just try a backflip into the water now). You must leave everything except your towel, water bottle, sunblock, bound reading material, and flip-flops or sandals (no sneakers)—yes, even your cell phone—in a locker, for which you must provide your own lock.—Marisa LaScala

For more regulations, visit nyc.gov/parks. Lorimer St between Bayard St and Driggs Ave, Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Daily 11am–3pm, 4–7pm; free. Through Monday, September 3, 2012.

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