Landmark Astoria Park Pool set for revamp

The Astoria Park Pool, the landmarked but run-down center that was a favorite of master city planner Robert Moses, is finally due for a multimillion-dollar refurbishment — its first since 1961. The pool, which opened in 1936 and was one of 11 new outdoor pools that Moses oversaw at the time, was the host of the final swimming, water polo and diving trials for the U.S. Olympic teams in 1936 and 1964. The Olympic-sized swimming and diving pools, which have views of the Hell Gate and Triborough bridges, haven’t been used since 1980. At a public meeting earlier this month, community members floated ideas for year-round uses of the space including an amphitheater, bowling alley, ice skating and hockey rinks, and a restoration of the original pools. Rogers Marvel Architects is overseeing the project, for which $2.5 million has already been raised by City Council member Peter Vallone Jr. and Queens Borough President Helen Marshall. The city is putting $50,000 toward the master plan, which is slated to be finalized by the end of the year. [NYDN]