The 'Floating Pool Lady' is a retrofitted barge originally designed as a ferry, serving as one of the few floating swimming facilities in the United States.
The park is situated on land that previously housed the Barretto Point chemical plant and other industrial facilities before its reclamation.
The park provides direct access to the Bronx River, a waterway that was historically heavily industrialized.
The floating pool was once part of the 1930s-era WPA-era pool system and was salvaged and rebuilt for the Bronx community.
The site acts as a key node in the Bronx River Greenway network, connecting local neighborhoods to the waterfront.
Barretto Point Park is a 10-acre waterfront facility located on the site of a former industrial property in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx. Its most distinctive feature is the Floating Pool Lady, a seven-lane, 260,000-gallon pool built into a barge that sits on the East River. The park includes a multi-purpose play area, basketball courts, and a kayak launch used for public paddling programs. The site offers direct views of the East River, Riker's Island, and the Bronx River. It was transformed from a polluted industrial site into public green space through the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation's waterfront redevelopment initiative. The park grounds include picnic tables, barbecue grills, and fishing areas. Visitors can access a small sandy beach area along the riverfront, though swimming in the river itself is prohibited. The park's design incorporates sustainable features to manage stormwater runoff near the shoreline.
The edge of the floating pool barge provides the best angle of the pool with the industrial backdrop of the river.
Bring your own gear if you plan to use the fishing areas, as no rental facilities are on-site.
Check the official NYC Parks website for the floating pool's operational status, as it is only available during the summer season.
Pack sunscreen and water, as the park is largely exposed with limited overhead shelter.
Do not attempt to swim in the East River; stay within designated pool and recreation zones.
The floating pool is only available during the summer months; the park remains open year-round.
Proper swimwear is required for the floating pool; public consumption of alcohol and loud music are prohibited.
