Modernized Pool and Aquatics Complex Reopens at Roberto Clemente State Park

ALBANY, NY (07/22/2011)(readMedia)-- State and city officials today celebrated the revitalization of Roberto Clemente State Park, featuring an enlarged and modernized pool and aquatics complex – making the popular park an even more attractive place for Bronx families to cool off. This major project was largely funded through a $20 million contribution provided by New York City, as part of the City's mitigation fund for construction of its water treatment plant in Van Cortlandt Park.

"Generations of Bronx families have visited Roberto Clemente State Park to escape the summer heat, relax and have fun with friends and family," said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. "Rejuvenating the park with a modern pool area, updated basketball courts, new locker rooms and new sustainable features will provide a much better experience for our visitors and ensure Robert Clemente State Park remains a family-friendly destination and important part of the community for years to come. I'm grateful to Mayor Bloomberg, the New York City Parks Department and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection for helping make the project possible."

Built in 1973, the aquatics complex was deteriorated and badly in need of a complete makeover, with worn-out locker rooms, a non-functioning kiddie pool and crumbling main pool. The upgrade includes new locker rooms, completely refurbished main pool and dive tank, a new spray pad area with over 20 spray features, and new zero depth entry wading pool with a fountain. In addition, the project provides a more comfortable, relaxing environment for pool visitors with new concrete pool decking, seating areas, landscaping and lighting. The pool complex had been closed for two seasons while under construction.

Other improvements to the park through the mitigation fund include:

• complete rehabilitation of the basketball court area, featuring newly paved basketball courts, improved stadium seating areas and installation of new lighting, benches landscaping and water fountain;
  
• conversion of a previously underused outdoor plaza area into a new shaded area waiting on line for pool access;
  
• replacement of the pedestrian plaza overlook and a green roof to reduce the heat level within the building and improve energy efficiency.

Roberto Clemente State Park is a 25-acre waterfront park located along the Harlem River in the Bronx, attracting over 1 million visitors a year. The park offers a variety of recreational and cultural activities year-round for youth, adults, senior citizens and the physically challenged. The facilities include a multi-purpose recreation building, an Olympic-size pool complex, ball fields, basketball courts, picnic areas, playgrounds and a waterfront promenade.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 178 state parks and 35 historic sites. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518.474.0456 or visit nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

###