The Pershing Field Pool in Jersey City finally has a retractable roof after 20 years and a $170,000 reconstruction, officials said this morning.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We’ve invested more in our parks and recreational facilities than any administration in decades. As a result, we’ve seen more and more residents rely on our public facilities to improve their physical and mental health, especially during the pandemic,” Mayor Steven Fulop said in a statement.
“The retractable roof is a unique feature that we hope will entice even more residents to utilize the pool and other public spaces within Pershing Field and around the city.”
The retractable glass ceiling allows natural sunlight to shine year-round over the 25-meter, 6-lane pool.
The retractable feature also allows for substantial ventilation for better air quality and the improved airflow aids in the preservation of equipment by slowing down the rate of corrosion, a common issue caused by indoor pools.
The $170,000 in roof reconstruction included the replacement of main cables, fasteners, pulleys, and motors, among other necessary repairs. A new mesh roof was also installed to keep out debris, such as falling leaves.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in engagement in our Recreation and Youth Development programs recently, and we expect to see even more of our residents, from children to seniors, participating in our swimming programs as the retractable roof is a crowd-pleaser,” added Department of Recreation and Youth Development Director Lucinda McLaughlin.
Since 2016, Pershing Field has seen several upgrades includes a new children’s playground, an ice skating rink, and pool renovations.
“We have people coming to the pool seven days a week for swim lessons, exercise, recreation, youth swim teams, and the like,” noted Rosemarie Nunez, Administrator of Aquatics and Facilities.
“Everyone is excited as the weather warms, and we can open the roof up for a completely different swimming experience.”
Adjacent to the pool is the historic Reservoir 3, where Fulop has committed to restore and preserve the 14-acre site as part of widespread park improvements utilizing Jersey City’s Open Space Trust Fund.
Mayor Fulup’s open space initiative has been warmly embraced by the Heights community in Jersey City, where the City and community groups have planted trees in the parks, reseeded lawn used for playing, and replaced old equipment. These improvements will be short lived in Pershing Field Park where the Napolitano family, long associated with Recreation, and a Councilman, Daniel Rivera, are reviving a carnival that was banned for attracting violence and destruction in the past. A teen was knifed in 2014.
The fair profits will not benefit the park, nor the new trees planted where the large carnival rides will be set up. Locals, who are aware of the gangs that come from other towns to confront other toughs, think it’s a high price to pay. Mr Rivera, an At-Large Councilman, was ill advised by self-interested individuals. It should be moved to a fairgrounds or Liberty State Park.