Gates to nearly 50 outdoor pools across New York City opened Saturday with limited restrictions still in place.
During the pandemic, Van Cortlandt Pool in the Bronx got a makeover through the Parks Department's "cool pools" program, an initiative to upgrade pools across the city that were in need of improvement.
The new and improved pool, which hadn't been renovated since the 1970s, now includes cabanas, a volleyball court and a kiddie pool for the little ones.
Visitors are required to wear masks when entering pool grounds, in locker rooms, bathrooms and the pool decks.
They do not have to be worn once inside the pool. People are also not allowed to bring their own food or glass bottles.
The city says swim programs will remain on hold because the pandemic didn’t allow them to train and hire lifeguards.
The pools will be open seven days a week between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. There will be a one-hour break at 3 p.m. for cleaning.