News
July 14, 2024
Fees waived in NY to promote swimming

In an effort to encourage kids to “get offline, get outside,” New York is waiving entry fees at state park pools, two of which are in New York City.

It’s all part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s campaign to promote physical and mental health by helping New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings. And for Governor Hochul, who loves swimming, getting kids into the state’s pools is a priority.

In January, the governor announced her NY SWIMS initiative, the New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming, which is intended to dramatically expand access to safe swimming, address equity gaps with recreational activities, and provide resources for communities facing extreme heat. As part of that, the state is allocating a historic $150 million in building new swimming facilities and renovating those in disrepair. It’s New York’s largest investment in swimming since FDR’s New Deal.

In July, Governor Hochul announced the state will waive pool entry fees for the rest of summer as part of her twin goals to promote mental and physical health by getting kids off their cell phones and getting active.

“We’re making it easier for our young people to put down their phones and computers, enjoy time with friends and family, and stay active all across our state,” Governor Hochul said. “That’s our advice: don’t scroll through life, just dive right in. Summer is here — get offline and get outside.”

LATEST NEWS
Pool industry anxious for interest rate cut
Favorable Fed decision will have positive effect on new swimming pool construction
November 30, 2025
By Marcelle Dibrell Ahead of its regularly scheduled December committee meeting, the Federal Reserve is facing mounting pressure to cut interest rates...
November 30, 2025
In 2026, the pool and spa industry’s calendar is packed with a powerful slate of regional trade shows across the country — from Atlantic City to Long ...
Desert Pool & Spa Show, Mesa, AZ, Seminars & Exhibits: Jan. 10 Mid-America Pool & Spa Show, Indianapolis, IN Seminars Jan. 12-15; Exhibits: Jan 13-15, Southeast Pool & Spa Show, Nashville, TN, Seminars & Exhibits: Jan. 22-23 The Pool & Spa Show, Atlantic City, NJ, Seminars Jan. 25-29; Exhibits: Jan. 27-29 Western Pool & Spa Show, Long Beach, CA, Seminars & Exhibits Feb. 12-14 Southwest Pool & Spa Show, San Antonio, TX Seminars Feb. 15-19; Exhibits: Feb. 17-19 National Plasterers Council Conference, Anaheim, CA Seminars Feb. 17-20 Everything Under The Sun Expo, Orlando, FL Seminars March 3-7; Exhibits: March 6-7
November 30, 2025
November 30, 2025
A years-long pattern of unfinished swimming pools, abandoned construction sites, and drained bank accounts came to a head this November when Plymouth,...