issue no. 40

heatwave

praise for public architecture

This week I’m singing praises for NYC public architecture!

We have free access to so many things in this city- libraries, parks, museums (PS1 still ranks as my favorite, and it’s free for NYC residents!), to name a few. My favorite free summer space? Hands down, the public pool.

If you’ve never been to a public pool in NYC, now is the perfect time to try! It’s the 90th anniversary of public pools in NYC.

Yes, many things should be improved! I plan to write an article all about offensive architecture, which there sadly is an abundance of, BUT I’m staying positive here. 

As a South Florida kid, where pools were a dime a dozen, swimming was a year-round event. Like most people I knew, having a pool in your backyard, above-ground or in-ground, was commonplace. During summer break, our pool was the season’s hotspot with my mom serving as the unofficial neighborhood swim instructor. Friends came over, pruning our little bodies to our hearts’ content, drying off only for a PB+J or a quick swipe of hot pink zinc on the nose. Other than a couple of close calls with drownings, the constant fear of snakes, and stories of alligators crawling up through the drain, it was pure magic. Looking back, the idea of a private pool feels downright luxurious. However, there is absolutely nothing quite like a public pool.

My most memorable experience of a communal pool was a sleepover at my bff’s in Miami. She lived in an apartment with her dad – who looked like a Latino cross between Mick Jagger + Dominic West – and I loved it there. The shared balconies, high floors, and close-quarters living felt so special. The first time we stepped out to the pool, it was instant joy- like there was a big party + everyone was invited. Now, don’t get me wrong. I was no stranger to public pools. As a competitive swimmer from age 4, I bounced around to several pools for practice, but those were for work, not play. This was different; it was like a veil had been lifted on the potential for fun. Anything was possible.

Last week our city saw temperatures rise to over 100 degrees for three consecutive days. It was a lot. The timing coinciding with the garbage spectacle of a celebrity wedding at MSG, draining already heavily drained electrical resources, was enough to make me want to jump out the window. But alas, the struggling AC unit blocked my exit.

Five beaches were shut down due to bacteria and sharks – a beautiful symptom of the warming waters of climate change. So, on a scorching day, decidedly turned away from the salty, fecal waters, desperate for a dip, we made our way to Astoria. The line was long but moved quickly + orderly as our bags were searched and our locks were presented. We were ushered into locker rooms, shoving all our belongings into a perfect small cube. The best part? No phones allowed. That’s right- no photos taken of you in your most vulnerable, half naked state - and no distractions.

We walked by the attendants, shaking out our towels before them, proving we have no tricks up our sleeves. Clutching only our sunscreen and water, we made our way to the oasis. She was a vision: the biggest pool in NYC juxtaposed with the bridge and trees behind, filled to the brim with all the beautiful human varieties that inhabit wild city. All of us there, equally, for the same purpose - finding relief together amidst this oppressive heatwave. We shared space, laughter, joy, and body temperature regulation. We were, once again, all in this together. A beautiful exposition of the true purpose of design- to create a sense of belonging as individuals and communities.

What I saw in that pool was a mirror reflection of our city; mothers, fathers, children, grandparents, young lovers, brown, black, white, very sunburned, single, queer, straight, big, small, thick, thin, tall, short, hairy and bald. What I saw was a sea- one of veritable hope and renewed faith. Hope for a more beautiful future and faith in our undeniable ability and responsibility to create it.  

XO, KRISTA 

What’s your favorite NYC public pool?