Haffen Park Pool Complex in Bronx to Undergo $13.4M Renovation

The aging facility will be modernized with upgraded amenities and improved accessibility.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:25pm

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City and state officials have broken ground on a $13.4 million project to renovate the Haffen Park Pool Complex in the Baychester neighborhood of the Bronx. The reconstruction will modernize the aging complex with a full rebuild of the bathhouse, upgraded pool infrastructure, and new ADA-accessible features aimed at improving access and safety for local residents.

Why it matters

The Haffen Park Pool Complex has served as a cornerstone of summer life in the East Bronx for over 50 years, but has not seen a major upgrade since its opening in 1972. This renovation project represents a significant investment in upgrading the aging facility and ensuring it can continue to serve the community for generations to come.

The details

Plans for the renovation include renovated locker rooms, showers, and restrooms, along with new lighting, furnishings, and upgraded mechanical systems. The pool deck will be fully reconstructed, and the filtration system will be replaced with modern equipment housed in a new enclosure designed to improve maintenance and efficiency.

  • The groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 17, 2026.
  • The Haffen Pool complex will be closed during construction and is expected to reopen by summer 2027.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York, who announced the $5 million grant from the state's NY SWIMS initiative to fund the project.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City, who is providing an additional $8.4 million in funding for the renovation.

Tricia Shimamura

The Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.

Carl Heastie

The Speaker of the New York State Assembly, who has been involved in the planning for this project since the previous administrations.

Jamaal T. Bailey

The New York State Senator representing the Bronx district where the Haffen Park Pool Complex is located.

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What they’re saying

“This project at Haffen Park will transform a long-standing recreational center into a modern, accessible facility that will continue to serve Bronx families for generations to come.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

“For the past fifty years Haffen Pool has been a cornerstone of summer life in the East Bronx, but it hasn't seen a major upgrade until today. This project is about more than modernizing a facility — it's about delivering a safe, accessible, and welcoming space where New Yorkers can cool off, connect with their community, and learn important water safety skills.”

— Tricia Shimamura, Commissioner, NYC Department of Parks & Recreation

What’s next

The Haffen Pool complex will be closed during the construction period and is expected to reopen by summer 2027.

The takeaway

This renovation project represents a significant investment in upgrading a beloved community asset that has served the Bronx for over 50 years. By modernizing the Haffen Park Pool Complex and improving accessibility, the city and state are ensuring this recreational center can continue to be a gathering place for local families for generations to come.