Astoria Play Center and Swimming Pool

Gazing upon the Astoria Play Center and Swimming Pool, can you sense the echoes of Olympic dreams? This isn’t just any pool. The Astoria Play Center and Swimming Pool holds a special place in history, having hosted the U.S. Olympic trials for swimming in 1936, 1952, and 1964. Imagine the energy, the anticipation, the splash of champions as they prepared to represent their nation. Built in 1936 as part of the Works Progress Administration, the Astoria Play Center and Swimming Pool was designed to accommodate a staggering 6,200 swimmers. It was an architectural marvel of its time, a testament to human ingenuity and the power of community spirit. The main pool, a sprawling rectangle of 330 by 165 feet, was the largest of the eleven WPA-funded pools built that year. Flanking this giant were two semicircular pools, one for wading and one for diving. The diving pool, with its impressive 32-foot-tall diving board, is a particularly striking feature. This diving board, a marvel of engineering, allowed four divers to take the plunge simultaneously. The Astoria Play Center and Swimming Pool is more than just bricks and water. It’s a place where history was made, where dreams were pursued, and where a community came together to enjoy the simple pleasure of a cool dip on a hot day. The bathhouse, a U-shaped brick structure designed by John Hatton, adds to the charm of this historic site. It beautifully blends classical and modern elements, with brick piers and geometric brickwork. Glass brick columns flank the entrances, adding a touch of elegance to the robust structure. Its open-air lobby, with its nautical-themed ticket booth, evokes a sense of carefree summer days. The Astoria Play Center and Swimming Pool isn’t merely a place for recreation; it’s a living testament to a bygone era, a symbol of resilience and community spirit. It stands as a proud reminder of the power of public works projects to bring people together and create lasting memories.