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Family & Leisure
Best Public Pool
Astoria Pool
Astoria Park
19th Street at 23rd Drive, Astoria
800-201-PARK
If the city wins its bid to host the 2012 Olympics, Astoria is where the world's best swimmers will battle. But the Astoria Pool has already secured its place in Olympic history: It was home to the 1936 and 1964 trials for the U.S. swimming and diving teams. At 330 feet long, this pool, situated on the East River, is the largest in the city. The size is matched by the magnificent views: Manhattan's skyline and the majestic Triborough Bridge surround swimmers. One of eleven pools opened by Robert Moses in 1936 as part of the Works Progress Administration, the Art Deco pool still features vintage details such as the mushroom fountains that spray water 25 feet in the air, underwater lighting fixtures, no water pistols signs, and wooden changing booths. The only drawback: On the hottest days, you may wait up to an hour to get in. Opens June 29.
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