Gottesman Pool at the Davis Center
The Gottesman Pool at the Davis Center, managed by NYC Parks, is the City’s newest public pool—offering free swimming to all in the beauty of Central Park.
Come cool off with NYC Parks this summer: Swim season runs from June 27–September 13, 2026.
Hours:
Open daily, 11:00 am–7:00 pm (closed from 3:00 pm–4:00 daily for cleaning)
*Adult lap swimming hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–8:30 am (Registration is required at nycgovparks.org)
Learn To Swim
NYC Parks offers free swimming lessons at recreation centers across the City—including the Gottesman Pool at the Davis Center. Registration for this popular program takes place by lottery. Learn to Swim classes are held for tots and one guardian, and for children. You may enter the lottery once per session.
Lottery results will be confirmed on the last day of each registration date. Check your email from NYC Parks for confirmation.
Registration Dates
You must enter the lottery before the following date for a chance to be selected:
Registration for all programs started at noon on Friday, June 12, 2026.
- Session I Registration: ends Friday, June 26, 2026
- Session II Registration: ends on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
- Session III Registration: ends on Friday, July 24, 2026.
- Advanced Child Learn to Swim Registration: ends on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
Program Dates
- Session I: July 6–July 21, 2026
- Session II: July 22–August 6, 2026
- Session III: August 7–August 21, 2026
- Advanced Child Learn to Swim: August 24–August 28, 2026
This program is managed by NYC Parks. For more information, visit nycgovparks.org or call the Citywide Aquatics team at 718.760.6969.
Adult Lap Swimming
July 6–August 28, 2026
Mondays–Fridays | 7:00 am–8:30 am
Join us before the pool opens for early bird lap swimming! Swimmers also have the option to participate in a long-distance lap swim challenge while enjoying their morning swim. An awards ceremony will be held at the end of August to celebrate the health and fitness achievements of swimmers who complete 25 miles or more.
Registration is required and ongoing from July 6–August 28, 2026. After registering, attend the program and speak to an Aquatics Specialist to begin counting your laps. Aquatics Specialists are available during the scheduled program hours.
This program is managed by NYC Parks. For more information, visit nycgovparks.org or call the Citywide Aquatics team at 718.760.6969.
Questions?
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions for more information on the Gottesman Pool. Please note: NYC Parks manages the Gottesman Pool as one of the City’s public pools; you can find more information at nycgovparks.org.
