Did you know this place was once an asphalt plant? Now it is the Asphalt Green Aquacenter. We are standing before a building with a very interesting past. Let’s dive into the story of Asphalt Green Aquacenter.
In 1944 this site was the Municipal Asphalt Plant. Kahn and Jacobs designed it. The plant mixed asphalt for New York City’s roads. It was even considered a landmark.
Fast forward to the 1970s. Dr. George E. Murphy and his wife Annette had a vision. They wanted to transform the abandoned plant. Their goal was to create a community sports center.
Asphalt Green officially opened in 1984. The original plant became the George and Annette Murphy Center. It housed gymnasiums and classrooms. An outdoor field was added in 1985.
Then in 1993 the Asphalt Green Aquacenter opened. Richard Dattner designed this new facility. It features an undulating brick facade with bright green accents. The AquaCenter is a sensuous postmodern construction.
Inside the Asphalt Green Aquacenter you will find a premier 50-meter swimming pool. This pool is eight lanes wide and two meters deep. It features movable bulkheads and a hydraulic floor. There are even diving boards and platforms. Spectator seating accommodates 650 people.
In 2017, Asphalt Green upgraded its pool filters. The new eco-friendly filters keep the water cleaner. They filter 2.6 million gallons per day. Council Member Ben Kallos helped secure funding for this project.
The Olympic-size pool has served millions of New Yorkers. Lia Neal even trained here. She became the first African-American female swimmer to medal at two Olympics.
Asphalt Green offers many aquatics programs. There is AGUA which is a competitive youth swim team. Waterproofing provides free swim instruction to public school students. Swim classes are available for all ages.
Today Asphalt Green continues its mission. It helps New Yorkers achieve active and healthy lifestyles. Sports, swim and fitness programs are offered to all ages and incomes.
The Municipal Asphalt Plant was almost something very different. In 1969, there were plans to convert the site into apartments and a school. Fortunately, local residents fought for a recreation center instead.
So, the next time you visit Asphalt Green Aquacenter remember its unique history. It evolved from an industrial plant to a vital community hub. It’s a place where New Yorkers can swim, exercise and stay active. This is the legacy of Asphalt Green.