Senator Serrano, City Officials and Central Park Conservancy Announce Lasker Pool and Rink Project

On July 18, 2018, Senator Serrano joined Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen, NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, and Central Park Conservancy’s Elizabeth W. Smith at Central Park’s Harlem Meer to announce a $150 million investment for a project at the Lasker Pool and Rink. This major project, funded by Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Central Park Conservancy, will allow for broader park use and create new recreational opportunities for the Harlem and East Harlem communities. When built in 1966, Lasker Pool and Rink created a barrier between two scenic areas in the park: North Woods and the Harlem Meer. The anticipated transformation of the facility will restore the lost connection between the two. Central Park Conservancy in partnership with NYC Parks, will host community visioning sessions in Harlem this fall, with anticipated groundbreaking in Fall 2020.

"The Harlem Meer and the North Woods are some of the most beautiful spaces in Central Park. Restoring the connection between these two scenic areas will enhance the experience of parkgoers as they enjoy all that this urban oasis has to offer. The re-envisioning of Lasker Pool and Rink will ensure that East Harlem residents have the recreational opportunities and facilities they deserve. Many thanks to Mayor de Blasio and the Central Park Conservancy for investing in the health and wellbeing of all New Yorkers."