John Jay Park Bathhouse
Description
Today’s NYC Parks site explains: “The swimming complex was opened in stages between 1940 and 1942 as part of a massive Work Projects Administration (WPA) capital construction program. The outdoor swimming pool was opened in 1940 and measured 50 by 145 feet. Legend has it that Parks Commissioner Robert Moses required the pool to be five feet short of the length necessary for 150-foot sprints. In 1941 the bathhouse was remodeled and reopened with an auditorium, large recreation room, gym, and changing facility which could accommodate 1,002 male and 590 female bathers. Systems were installed to filter, purify, and re-circulate the water, and a large promenade around the pool was constructed.”
A WPA-built diving pool was finished in 1942, along with other improvements to the surrounding park.
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John Jay Park Pool and Bathhouse
Source notes
NYC Parks - John Jay Park Department of Parks, Press Release, June 3, 1940 Department of Parks, Press Release, May 28, 1941 Department of Parks, Press Release, May 29, 1942 New York City Parks Department New Deal Projects 1934-43
Project originally submitted by Frank da Cruz on December 10, 2016.
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