Governor Hochul Announces Start of Construction on Haffen Park Pool Complex in the Bronx

$5 Million NY SWIMS Investment Supports Modernization of Public Aquatic Facility in New York City

Project Advances ‘Unplug and Play’ Initiative To Expand Access to Safe, Modern Recreation Spaces

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on the Haffen Park Pool Complex in the Bronx, supported by a $5 million grant through the New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) initiative. The project will modernize the aging facility, improve accessibility and expand opportunities for safe, high-quality aquatic recreation for Bronx residents. Administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) and overseen by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, NY SWIMS provides competitive matching grants that help communities build and improve swimming facilities across the state.

“Investments like NY SWIMS are helping communities expand access to safe places for families to get outside and swim,” Governor Hochul said. “This project at Haffen Park will transform a long-standing recreational center into a modern, accessible facility that will continue to serve Bronx families for generations to come. Through our Unplug and Play initiative, we are continuing to create opportunities for New Yorkers to stay active, connect with their communities and enjoy the outdoors.”

The $13.4 million project, led by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, will fully reconstruct key elements of the Haffen Park Pool Complex, including bathhouse buildings, pool infrastructure and public amenities. The project will deliver upgraded locker rooms, showers, restrooms and lighting, along with improvements to finishes, furnishings and mechanical systems.

The reconstruction will also include a fully accessible public entrance, ADA-compliant pathways throughout the facility, and enhanced access to the wading pool area. Additional upgrades include a reconstructed pool deck, new filtration systems, improved landscaping and the creation of flexible public spaces for recreation and seating, while preserving historic design elements of the site.

Through two rounds of the NY SWIMS, New York State has awarded $200 million to support 57 projects that expand access to safe, modern swimming facilities and strengthen recreation infrastructure statewide. The second round of funding awarded more than $63 million to 21 projects, representing over $87 million in total construction investment and leveraging nearly $25 million in local and philanthropic contributions.

NY SWIMS supports projects that modernize or build aquatic facilities, including pools, bathhouses, mechanical systems, accessibility upgrades and supporting infrastructure. Projects are evaluated based on community need, public benefit and readiness for implementation.

The program is part of Governor Hochul’s broader Unplug and Play initiative, which invests in community recreation infrastructure and encourages families to spend more time active and outdoors. These investments help communities respond to extreme heat, expand opportunities for swim instruction and provide safe, welcoming public spaces for year-round and seasonal use.