If you’ve wandered through the northern reaches of Central Park lately, you’ve likely seen the massive construction fences and the skeletal remains of what used to be a concrete oasis. It’s a bit of a bummer, honestly. For decades, Lasker Pool Central Park was the go-to spot for uptown families, teenagers, and anyone looking to escape the stifling humidity of a Manhattan July without trekking to the Rockaways. But right now? It’s a giant hole in the ground.
People are frustrated. They miss the chaotic energy of the pool and the crisp winter nights spent skating on the ice rink that replaced the water every November. It wasn't just a facility; it was a neighborhood anchor. But let's be real—the old Lasker Pool was kind of an architectural disaster from the start. Built in 1966, the structure basically acted as a dam, blocking the natural flow of the Harlem Meer and cutting off the north end of the park from its own ecosystem. It was a concrete barrier that felt out of sync with Frederick Law Olmsted’s original vision for a fluid, naturalistic landscape.
The Messy Reality of the Old Lasker Pool
The old Loula D. Lasker Memorial Pool and Rink was a product of Robert Moses-era planning. It was functional, sure, but it was ugly. It stood right in the way of the Loch and the Harlem Meer, forcing the water to literally disappear into a pipe. By the time it closed in 2021, the facility was literally falling apart. The refrigeration systems for the ice rink were failing, the concrete was cracking, and the plumbing was a nightmare.
The Central Park Conservancy finally stepped in with a massive $150 million plan. They didn't just want to fix the pipes. They wanted to erase the mistake of the 1960s. This project, officially known as the Davis Center (named after donors Harriet and Kit Davis), is one of the most ambitious renovations in the park’s modern history. It’s not just a pool; it’s a massive restoration of the entire Ravine ecosystem.
Why You Won't See a Pool There Until at Least 2026
If you're looking for a quick dip this summer, you're out of luck. The timeline for the new Lasker Pool Central Park replacement has been a moving target. Major infrastructure projects in New York City rarely go according to plan, and this one involves rerouting a literal stream.
Construction crews had to demolish the old bunker-like structure and are currently working on daylighting the stream that has been buried for over fifty years. This means the water from the Loch will finally flow naturally into the Harlem Meer again. It's a huge win for birds and fish, but it’s a logistical headache for engineers. They are basically rebuilding a natural waterway while simultaneously constructing a world-class recreational facility.
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The new design by Mitchell Giurgola is going to be tucked into the slope of the land. It’s meant to be invisible from certain angles, topped with a green roof that blends into the surrounding hills. It's a far cry from the old concrete block. There will be a pool for competition laps, a shallow area for kids, and a splash pad that converts into an ice rink in the winter. But until the ribbon-cutting, which is tentatively aimed for 2026, the north end remains a construction zone.
The Design Shift: From Concrete Dam to Natural Flow
The most interesting thing about the renovation isn't actually the pool itself. It’s the boardwalk. Because the new facility won't block the water, there will be a pedestrian bridge and a winding boardwalk that allows people to walk right over the newly restored stream.
Honestly, the old setup felt like a fortress. You had to go through a specific gate, and the whole area felt separated from the rest of the park. The new design focuses on "permeability." That’s a fancy way of saying you won't feel like you're hitting a wall when you walk north from the North Meadow. You’ll be able to follow the water.
What the New Facility Includes
- A massive swimming pool that actually meets modern standards for competition and recreation.
- An oval-shaped ice rink that will be larger than the previous one and much more efficient.
- A "Spray Pad" for those days when it's too hot to breathe but you don't want to do a full pool day.
- Enhanced lakeside access with new paths that didn't exist before.
The architects are using a lot of stone and wood. They want it to look like it belongs in the park, not like a YMCA dropped into the woods. The pool house will be built into the side of a hill, which helps with insulation and keeps the profile low. It's smart. It’s expensive. And it's why it's taking forever.
Addressing the "Gentrification" Concerns
There’s been some chatter about whether this new, fancy facility will change the vibe of the north end. For years, Lasker Pool Central Park was known as the "local" pool for Harlem and Washington Heights. It was less touristy than the Sheep Meadow or Bethesda Terrace. It was a place for real New Yorkers.
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The Conservancy has been pretty vocal about ensuring the new Davis Center remains accessible. The goal isn't to make it a private club; it’s to provide the same neighborhood service but in a building that isn't crumbling. However, anytime you spend $150 million on a park project, the atmosphere shifts. We’ll have to wait and see if the community-centric soul of the old Lasker survives the polished stone and glass of the new center.
Practical Alternatives for the Current Season
Since Lasker is out of commission, where do you go? If you’re in Upper Manhattan, you aren't totally stranded.
- Jackie Robinson Pool: Located at 146th Street and Bradhurst Avenue. It’s huge, it’s historic, and it fills the void left by Lasker.
- Marcus Garvey Pool: Over in Harlem at 124th Street. It’s smaller but has a great neighborhood feel.
- Riverbank State Park: This is the heavyweight. It’s got an indoor and outdoor pool, plus a skating rink. It’s a bit of a trek to the West Side highway, but the views of the Hudson are worth it.
If you’re specifically looking for ice skating, Wollman Rink at the south end of the park is the obvious choice, though it’s significantly more expensive and packed with tourists. For a more "local" skating vibe, you might want to try the rink at Bryant Park, though that gets pretty chaotic too.
The Long-Term Impact on the Harlem Meer
Restoring the water flow is a big deal for the environment. For decades, the water in the Meer was somewhat stagnant because of the Lasker blockage. This led to issues with algae blooms and poor water quality. By opening the "neck" of the Meer and allowing the stream to flow freely, the oxygen levels in the water will improve.
You’ll likely see more wildlife returning to this section of the park. Nuthatches, herons, and even the occasional snapping turtle will have a much better habitat once the heavy machinery leaves. It’s a trade-off: a few years of no swimming in exchange for a healthier park for the next century.
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Checking the Progress
If you want to see how it’s going, head to the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center on the north side of the Meer. From there, you can walk along the edge of the construction site. You can’t see much over the fences, but the scale of the earth-moving is pretty impressive.
The project is a collaboration between the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and the Central Park Conservancy. It’s a massive undertaking. They’ve had to navigate everything from bedrock issues to supply chain delays for the specialized refrigeration equipment needed for the rink. It’s a slog, but it’s happening.
What to Keep in Mind
- Access: Many paths in the North Woods are currently detoured. Follow the signs or you’ll end up at a dead-end fence.
- Events: The annual pumpkin float on the Harlem Meer still happens, but the staging area has shifted slightly due to the construction.
- Fishing: Catch-and-release fishing at the Meer is still allowed, but stay clear of the southern edge near the construction site.
Actionable Steps for New Yorkers and Visitors
While waiting for the grand reopening of Lasker Pool Central Park, you can stay involved and informed. The Central Park Conservancy offers walking tours that sometimes touch on the restoration of the north end. It’s a great way to see the "behind the scenes" of how they are rebuilding the stream.
If you are a frequent user of the park, consider signing up for the Conservancy’s newsletter specifically for the Harlem Meer restoration. They provide quarterly updates on the construction milestones. Also, if you’re looking to swim, check the NYC Parks website early in the season (usually May) to see the specific opening dates for the alternative pools like Jackie Robinson or Marcus Garvey. They often require a quick, free registration for a "membership" card, which saves you a lot of time at the gate on a 90-degree day.
Keep an eye on the 2026 calendar. That’s the year the north end of the park finally becomes whole again. It’s been a long wait, but the transition from a 1960s concrete block to a world-class eco-friendly facility is going to be a game-changer for the city.