POUGHKEEPSIE – A ribbon-cutting for the $4 million pool house at Pulaski Park in Poughkeepsie kicked off swimming season at the city’s two pools, with the second being located at Spratt Park. The project was initially slated to cost $2.4 million and the pool house includes a men’s room, women’s room, family bathrooms, lifeguard room, office welcome desk, and storage and kitchen areas. Other upgrades were made to the pool area, including a new
splash pad.
The pool house project was funded by $3.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds approved by the Common Council, in addition to $142,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds, and a $500,000 New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation grant.
“This is a big day for the City of Poughkeepsie, seeing such a substantial upgrade to one of our pools. Our pools are important community hubs, and having the right amenities in place is a key part of the attraction,” said Mayor Yvonne Flowers.
The mayor thanked the former Mayoral Administrations of Rob Rolison and Marc Nelson, the Common Council, the city’s Finance and Engineering Departments, New City Parks, and the landscape architectural firm Saratoga Associates in helping to bring the project to fruition. “I was thrilled to join Mayor Flowers and city representatives for the official return of Pulaski Pool, together with its new pool house, to full recreational use. Along with the seasonal opening of Spratt Park Pool, Poughkeepsie residents will once again have the opportunity to stay cool during the summer months free of charge.” said state Senator Rolison (R-Poughkeepsie).
Nelson said, “Local government is at its best when collaboration around a shared vision improves the quality of life of its residents. The impact of this project, particularly on Poughkeepsie’s youth and families, will be felt for many years. I want to thank Mayor Flowers for her strong support for this project, going back to her days on the Common Council and work on the ARPA Task Force, and Senator Rolison who, over his seven years leading the city built the partnerships with New City Parks and many other community stakeholders who made this happen.”
For the rest of the season, both pools will be open for general swimming from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Swimming lessons will be offered at Pulaski Pool from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, and adult lap swimming will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. each day at Spratt Pool.
Entrance fees are being waived again this year, but you must register for a pool pass. Application forms for passes and for swim lessons can be found online at www.cityofpoughkeepsie.com/pools and can be filled out in advance and then taken to the pools for final registration. Or people can obtain those forms at the pools when they are open.
