“Is that the shimmering mirage of an oasis?” a young boy whispered, pointing towards Lyons Pool Recreation Center. His mother chuckled. “Not a mirage, sweetie, just the coolest spot in Tompkinsville!” Lyons Pool Recreation Center isn’t just a pool. It’s a sprawling 3.2-acre aquatic wonderland. It’s a testament to the power of community and the enduring legacy of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Opened on July 8, 1936, Lyons Pool, originally known as Tompkinsville Pool, was a beacon of hope during the Great Depression. It was the only WPA-era pool built on Staten Island, offering respite and recreation to thousands. Imagine the scene: the year is 1936. New York City is sweltering under a record-breaking heatwave. Suddenly, this magnificent complex appears, a gift from the WPA. Three pools gleam under the summer sun: a massive main pool for laps, a diving pool with a springy diving board, and a shallow wading pool for the little ones. The elegant Art Moderne bathhouse, with its red brick facade and distinctive rotunda, provides a stylish backdrop. Originally, over 2,800 swimmers could enjoy Lyons Pool at the same time. The complex even featured state-of-the-art diesel pumps that recirculated and filtered the pool water every 5 to 8 hours. Lyons Pool wasn’t just for summer fun. During the off-season, the resourceful community transformed the drained pools into volleyball courts, basketball courts, and even ice-skating rinks. Over the decades, Lyons Pool has seen countless renovations and upgrades. The diesel pumps were replaced with electric ones in 1956, the pool deck was revamped in 1959, and a major renovation took place between 1984 and 1986. Today, Lyons Pool Recreation Center still stands as a beloved community hub. It’s a city landmark, a reminder of a time when public works projects brought both jobs and joy to a city in need. And as you look at the shimmering water, you can almost hear the echoes of laughter from generations of Staten Islanders who have found refuge and community within its walls.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to