New Yorkers will soon have a new pool to splash around come summer — and, in the winter, a new rink for ice skating. There’s even fun in store for the in-between seasons.
That’s because the northern edge of Central Park, long bypassed by visitors drawn to the green space’s southern landmarks, is poised to become a vibrant destination with the April 26 opening of the $160 million Davis Center at the Harlem Meer. The Central Park Conservancy calls this its biggest and most complex project since it was founded in 1980.
At its heart is the Gottesman Pool, a state-of-the-art aquatic facility set to rank as the city’s eighth-largest, designed to serve thousands of swimmers and foster community connection in a historically underserved corner of the park.
The Davis Center, a public-private collaboration led by the conservancy with $60 million from the city and $100 million in private donations, replaces the aging Lasker Rink and Pool, a 1960s structure that had fallen into disrepair.
Designed by Susan T. Rodriguez and Mitchell Giurgola Architects, the facility nestles into the park’s rugged terrain, its low-profile pavilion crowned by a sod roof that doubles as a scenic overlook.
The pool, opening for public swimming in late June, can accommodate up to 1,000 swimmers at a time, offering a cool respite during those sweltering city summers.
In winter, it transforms into an ice rink — and in spring and fall, it becomes the Harlem Oval, an artificial turf field for community activities.
How it works: There’s a riser system placed underneath the rink in the winter — and the lawn in warmer months — to support their own bases. It’s then removed for revelers to make a splash in the pool all summer long.
“The opening of the Davis Center in Central Park is a shining example of what makes New York City more livable and the best place to raise a family,” Mayor Eric Adams said in a press release.
The pool and surrounding facility restore a landscape altered by decades of urban interventions. Unlike the Lasker Pool, which disrupted the natural flow of water into the Harlem Meer, the Davis Center reconnects a stream through the historic Huddlestone Arch, creating a wetland edge that enhances the area’s ecological integrity. Not to mention something scenic for visitors to take in.
A new shoreline boardwalk, accessible to all, winds along the Meer, inviting pedestrians to explore the park’s northeastern corner, a 20-minute bike ride from Midtown.
“Today is a joyful and deeply meaningful day for Central Park and for New York City,” said Betsy Smith, President and CEO of the Central Park Conservancy. “What once was a beloved but aging facility is now a beautiful, welcoming place that celebrates Central Park and welcomes New Yorkers to swim, skate, learn and connect — all year round.”
The facility’s design prioritizes community needs, informed by years of dialogue with Harlem and East Harlem residents.
The pavilion, with its Corinthian granite walls and expansive glass doors, serves as a light-filled hub for gatherings — housing changing rooms, restrooms and a compact café.
Its sustainable features, targeting LEED Gold certification, include a green roof planted with native species and a skylight that bathes the interior in natural light.
Philanthropic contributions included $40 million from Kathryn and Andrew Davis, for whom the center is named, and a significant gift from David S. Gottesman and Ruth L. Gottesman, for whom the pool is named.
“Kate and I are honored to support the Davis Center at the Harlem Meer, a project that restores a vital part of Central Park and reconnects it with the Harlem community,” said the Davises in the press release.
Alice Gottesman added, “Swimming and skating outdoors in Central Park are special, unmatched experiences. The new Davis Center at the Harlem Meer will make these opportunities accessible to so many more New Yorkers.”
The pool’s programming, operated by the city Parks department, includes free Learn to Swim lessons and aquatic activities from late June to early September, addressing the needs of a community where access to such resources has been limited.
Year-round offerings, supported by donors like JPMorganChase and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, feature fitness classes, art workshops, and ecological tours, with a focus on engaging local youth.
“The historic Harlem Meer is one of Central Park’s greatest gems, so I’m thrilled that the new Davis Center’s programming and facilities will offer endless ways for visitors to connect with the Meer,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, whose office provided $2.2 million for the project.
The Davis Center’s completion marks the culmination of a decades-long effort to revitalize Central Park’s northern end, where the Conservancy has invested more $310 million since the 1980s.
On April 26, at noon, a community celebration on the Harlem Oval will launch the center’s public debut, featuring local performances, food and hourly tours.