It has been confirmed from Mayor Bill de Blasio that New York City gyms are allowed to reopen on September 2 following state-mandated inspections, but pools and group exercise classes will remain closed.

New York City should follow the example of other jurisdictions in New York State and allow indoor community pools to reopen.  

Indoor community pools provide critical swim instruction and exercise for New Yorkers whose options are extremely limited in the current environment.  

Furthermore, the continued forced closure of indoor community pools has devastated the finances of our city’s invaluable nonprofits, keeping New York City employees out of work and undermining the future of critical community building organizations. 

In the past months, community pool operators have consulted national health and safety experts to guide reopening efforts and are aware of no evidence that justifies a blanket prohibition on indoor pools. Indoor community pool operators are prepared to implement stringent protocols and best practices, including strict capacity limits, new program designs, enhanced cleaning requirements, and ventilation improvements.

The City’s decision to withhold permission for pools to open is inconsistent with every other jurisdiction in New York State, all of which have successfully opened pools. We urge you to immediately adopt the models that have been established and allow New York City’s community pools to open.