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Vandals Damage $16M Pool; Ozone System Clears Algae

7/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

$16 million renovation is about $4 million over the original estimate.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the same contractor will repair the pool with a partial drain this week.
Officials said vandals cut the liner, a small act that could cost tens of thousands to fix.
More than six people have been arrested in connection with the damage.
Burgum said the nanobubbler ozone system eliminated the algae bloom, leaving water clear.

History

Historical Context

Built in 1936 under Robert Moses, McCarren Pool fell into disrepair after the 1970s fiscal crisis and closed in 1984. In the 2000s the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation launched a $50 million reconstruction announced by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, echoing earlier vandalism that has repeatedly strained public funds. The project reopened the pool in 2012.

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Story summary

$16 million renovation is about $4 million over the original estimate.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the same contractor will repair the pool with a partial drain this week.
Officials said vandals cut the liner, a small act that could cost tens of thousands to fix.
More than six people have been arrested in connection with the damage.
Burgum said the nanobubbler ozone system eliminated the algae bloom, leaving water clear.

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