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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 177-03
June 26, 2003

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSIONER ADRIAN BENEPE ANNOUNCE OPENING OF OUTDOOR POOLS CITYWIDE

Distributes The New York City Youth Guide to Summer Fun 2003

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe today announced the opening of all New York City’s outdoor pools at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem.  All of the City’s 52 outdoor pools are free and will officially be open to the public beginning this Saturday, June 28, 2003 through Labor Day, September 1, 2003.  The Mayor was joined by children from Pelham Fritz, Morningside, and Jackie Robinson Recreation Center and members of the community who took the first plunge of summer into the pool.  This year’s opening celebration included a free cookout provided by Western Beef, and prepared by the Art Institute of New York City and Chef Brendan Keenan.

“Now that the warm weather is finally here and summer has officially begun, I am pleased to announce that New York City pools are open for the season,” said Mayor Bloomberg.  “Thanks to Parks & Recreation and our trained lifeguards, the City’s pools and beaches are the perfect place for New Yorkers to cool off from the summer heat.”

“Our pools will provide a safe place for New Yorkers of all ages to cool off this summer,” said Commissioner Benepe.  “Our pool staff have been gearing up and on Saturday the gates will open, marking the start of summer for Parks & Recreation.  Our trained lifeguards will be on hand all summer to keep New Yorkers safe, but swimmers should remember to use caution and only swim when a lifeguard is on duty.”

The Mayor also announced the release of The New York City Youth Guide to Summer Fun 2003 published by the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).  The Youth Guide offers many activities, educational and recreational – each day, including weekends – that are offered throughout the five boroughs.  The Guide includes a broad citywide calendar of youth activities.  This is the 3rd year that DYCD has published the Youth Guide to Summer Fun. 

“This week, I have attended graduations throughout the City, marking the close of the school year.  Today, I am happy to mark the summer season for our youth and their families by introducing this comprehensive guide to youth events and activities” said Mayor Bloomberg.  “Learning does not end with the close of the school year.  It is important that we provide activities that can be not only fun but meaningful as well.”

In addition to the daily calendar of events, there is also a section that details activities and events that are offered on an on-going basis throughout the summer.  A highlight of this year’s summer activities will be the 3rd Annual Youth Week, to be held from August 4th - 8th.

“We are so pleased to be able to assemble such a vast collection of summer activities for the young, and young-at-heart, for both residents and visitors to New York City,” said Commissioner Mullgrav.  “Activities range from the artistic to the athletic, from the literary to the musical, and can be enjoyed at venues both indoors and out.”

The Youth Guide to Summer Fun 2003 includes a list of all public swimming pools and tennis courts, and a comprehensive section on “Places to Explore” in the City is also included.  General hours of operation for the pools are 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. seven days a week.  To view the calendar of activities or for pool locations, please visit www.nyc.gov or call 311. 

The City is also home to 14 miles of public beaches, which are open until Labor Day, September 1, 2003.  Beach hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Swimming is prohibited when beaches and pools are closed or when a lifeguard is not on duty.





CONTACT:

Ed Skyler/Lark Anton   (212) 788-2958

Megan Sheekey   (Parks)
(212) 360-1311

Michael Ognibene   (DYCD)
(212) 442-5989


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