Mayor Adams unveiled $55 million in new funding Tuesday to build a new swimming pool in Queens and rehabilitate an existing indoor pool, both located in Roy Wilkins Park in St Albans.
The design phase of the aquatic mecca in southeast Queens is expected to begin in 2024.
“Our city’s public pools and recreation centers offer New Yorkers of all ages, but especially our youth and seniors, a place to grow, learn and build community,” Mayor Adams said in a statement on Tuesday.
“This additional $55 million investment to build a new competition-sized pool and repair the existing pool at Roy Wilkins Park means more southeast Queens residents will have access to critical programming and swim lessons.”
The project, which also includes a recreation center, is projected to cost the city $40 million to design and build and will be spearheaded by the city’s Department of Design and Construction.
The new pool and recreation center is expected to span 35,000 square feet.
Repairs to the existing pool will be handled by the Parks Department and are expected to cost $15 million.
Design-Build Commissioner Thomas Foley said the agency will rely on “design-build” to build the new facility. That technique, which involves contracting out the design and construction phases of a project through a single entity, is part of a city pilot program aimed at reducing time on construction projects.
“We are very pleased to expand the plan for the new Roy Wilkins Recreation Center and include it in our design-build pilot program, which will reduce the project schedule by at least two full years compared to hiring the lowest bidder,” Foley said.
The Adams administration’s announcement comes after Council President Adrienne Adams said earlier this month that intends to include funding for more swim programs in the next city budgetwhich is now being negotiated.
