"Friedman, a local resident since 1951, learned to swim in the pool at age 12 and used it regularly ever since. As she's aged, the pool has grown increasingly important to her health."
"The pool provides a crucial space for community-building, recovery from injury, and exercise for older swimmers so they can 'stay independent as long as possible,' Sabel said."
"While nearby gyms offer pool access, the cost is steep - a membership at Equinox's Bedford Avenue location starts at $350 a month. A day pass to the Williamsburg Bathhouse runs $40-80."
"Friedman now takes a bus three times a week to a lower Manhattan pool with reserved swim time for women, paying significantly more on membership and transportation than in the past."
Rifka Friedman, a long-time member of the Metropolitan Recreation Center, was shocked to learn of the pool's closure due to a failing dehumidification system. The pool, vital for her health and community engagement, has left residents concerned about its future. Community members, including swimmers and local officials, are urging city leaders to prioritize renovations. Alternatives are costly, making the rec center's affordable membership essential for many, particularly older adults. Friedman now travels to a more expensive pool, highlighting the burden of the closure on her routine and well-being.
Read at Brooklyn Paper
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]