Winter may be creeping up on us but today the Brooklyn Paper takes a look at McCarren Park Pool—formerly a pool, then a concert venue, and now undergoing a $50MM renovation so that it can serve the community as a pool again. It's been nearly a year since Mayor Bloomberg headed to the Brooklyn spot to break ground, so what's been going on since? more ›

As McCarren Park Pool undergoes a $50MM renovation to become, well, a pool again... the LTV Squad has been taking a look back all week at what it was like during the years it sat there being drained of its former glory. Yep, while you were all enjoying your Pool Parties there was a hidden world underneath the concrete—most notably, a tunnel system starting under the main arch. The LTV Squad was kind enough to let us use some of their photos, but be sure to check out their massive catalog here—and below is some video of what it's like in those underground tunnels. more ›

This morning Mayor Bloomberg and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz held court at McCarren Park Pool for a groundbreaking ceremony. Over the past few years the pool has come back to life with JellyNYC's concerts (now still in search of a new home with help from Senator Schumer) — but soon it will return to being a community pool, thanks to Bloomberg's $50 million PlaNYC renovation. Today he promised he'd be the first to take a dip when the project is done, but so did Marty. Who will make the first splash?! We'll have to wait til 2011 to find out... more ›

Welcome to last summer amNewYork! The McCarren Park Pool parties and concerts aren't happening anymore. There was this whole long, drawn out thing about it when the series ended to make way for a $50 million makeover, at the end of which it will be a pool again. There were meetings and debates about it and stuff. more ›

Is Brooklyn's McCarren Park scary? A discussion has been started up on the topic over at Street Easy, and while the area isn't like it used to be, some in the thread are wondering if it's "dangerous, or only like Central Park is scary to non-city-dwellers." One commenter sections the park off into three parts, and further separates it into areas reserved for the Polish, the Mexicans and the Hipsters. The area closest to the condos is deemed the safest and calmest, boasting an "excellent running track, handball and bocce courts." The biggest concern amongst the potential condo-buyers in the thread seems to be The Hipsters (the baseball field is "overrun by hipsters playing kickball"), but as one points out, the renovated pool will host "classical and opera concerts, [which is] a good sign that hipster influence is waning here." Though we hear the hipsters are getting way into Le Sacre du printemps' complex rhythmic structures as of late. [via Curbed] more ›

Everyone is abuzz about the new renderings of McCarren Park Pool unveiled at the CB1 meeting last night, except they look exactly the same as the ones unveiled a year ago! Okay, close your eyes and picture McCarren Park Pool...now add some aquamarine-toned blue water courtesy of your mind's Photoshop, and that's pretty much what it's going to look like (for the imaginationally challenged, this is also represented in the rendering above). more ›

Have you come to terms yet with losing McCarren Pool as you've known it for the past few years? It's time to move on, because last night the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved the new plans for the space. Expect all that stuff you've been hearing about and seeing in renderings: ice skating rink, pool, cafes, umbrellas and other resorty type things. As we noted last month, there will still be performances, and the Brooklyn Paper reported that the future community center (set to open in 2011) will include an indoor performance space, according to the Parks Department spokesman Phil Abramson. [via Curbed] more ›

Saturday was the day the music died at McCarren Park Pool (well, not really), but one couldn't have asked for a better note to go out on than one provided by Sonic Youth ("Expressway to Yr Skull" was a perfect finale from the post-punk pioneers). The NY Times spoke to concertgoers and locals about the venue, which could return to its original function as soon as 2011. An elderly resident declared, “This music, very noisy. Swimming, O.K.” but one man noted, “I love this music. I come from Mexico, and in Mexico there is little music like that." And some businesses have enjoyed a 30% increase in sales on show days. The Times said hipsters claim they won't come back to swim because they think it'll be "too dirty" [insert dirty hipster joke here]. more ›

Who can keep up with all the changes surrounding McCarren Park Pool? One thing if for certain, it will one day contain water. The NY Post notes that the design, to be reviewed by the Landmarks Preservation Commission on September 9th, also "calls for a new U-shaped pool (about 70 percent of the current footprint), an ice-skating rink, a cafe, a community center and an exhibition center" and a performance space. That's right, it's very likely Sonic Youth won't be the last band to play there. The performances will be held during the "off-season," which is likely the Spring and Fall (leaving JellyNYC's free summer shows still searching for a new home). Stephanie Thayer of the Dept of Parks & Rec and Open Space Alliance (responsible for bringing shows to the pool in the first place) says, "It doesn't have to be an either/or. Hopefully we'll have shows at the pool." more ›

Did you hear that UK retailer Top Shop is coming to town this fall? Before they cross the pond, however, Williamsburg is Dead points out that they have some tips on how to dress for the McCarren Park Pool Parties (where they've temporarily set up shop). Apparently nothing says a sweltering New York summer in a concrete pool like a nice warm woollen beanie! more ›

The NY Times takes a preemptive look back at McCarren Park Pool, on the cusp of its closing, saying "Like every sweet summer fling...this one is destined to end." The empty pool has given some locals fond memories of the Slip n' Slide, dodgeball, this guy, the music. Sure, the beer lines were long at times, and the entry line even longer, but before the pool gets refilled with water, some are shedding tears over it, because let's face facts: the Sunday Pool Parties just won't be the same when they're not held in a quadruple-Olympic-size swimming pool. As for what the future holds, next year JellyNYC will take the Pool Parties to Austin, Portland, San Francisco, and Nashville--but there currently isn't a site secured for New York. In July, however, they told us "The Open Space Alliance, Parks Department and even Marty Markowitz’s office has been very clear that there will be a space for concerts no matter what in Williamsburg" As for an opposition, Phyllis Yampolsky, founder of the McCarren Park Conservancy, says the pools "basic needs are not for the fashionistas of Williamsburg.” more ›

A couple of weeks ago, the McCarren Park Pool line flowed through the sidewalks for The Breeders free show. Today a reader sent in this photo of the line for MGMT (pronounced "Em Gee Em Tee"), taken just before 2 p.m. However, the skies have darkened and now there's a severe thunderstorm watch, so chances are the line has dissipated if you want to brave the weather. more ›

Just in from the newswire, there's a "suspicious death" being reported at McCarren Park Pool, allegedly at the building that serves as an entrance. The person was found "DOA by event staff" earlier this morning. Last night Twelve Ophelias, a play centered around Hamlet's Ophelia coming back to life, was staged there; the night before there was a screening of The Virgin Suicides. All in all, a dark week for McCarren. Thus far, multiple calls to the Precinct have gone unanswered. more ›

To cap off the past few days of people waiting in line both Friday and Saturday for new iPhones or for yesterday's free Bon Jovi concert, reader Brian sent us this photograph of the line for today's Breeders concert at the McCarren Park Pool. Well, it a gorgeous day to do so. more ›

Not since Jacob took the birthright of his older brother Esau back in the Old Testament has a younger twin grabbed a bigger chunk of the spotlight than Kim Deal has over her sister Kelley throughout the years. However, Kelley is no slouch on her own. She has just written her first knitting book that will be released this fall, titled "Bags That Rock: Knitting on the Road with Kelley Deal." And of course, she has been the lead guitarist in the Deal sisters' band The Breeders for almost all of the nearly twenty years since they released their first album, Pod. more ›

Along with Doug DeFalco, Sarah Hooper co-runs JellyNYC -- the company that brings free concerts to McCarren Park Pool each Sunday of the summer. With the space undergoing some changes in the future, we checked in with Hooper on the status of the parties and where they may go when the empty pool gets filled with water again. Good news: Marty Markowitz promises they'll be sticking around..and could possibly have a water view. more ›

Death Cab for Cutie hit the scene before most of the well-known music blogs even registered a URL -- and even though they've made the major label jump (moving from Barsuk to Atlantic in 2004), become prime time sweethearts (with their music soundtracking shows like The OC) -- they've maintained their indie cred. On May 13th they released their second album on Atlantic, their seventh in total, called Narrow Stairs, and tomorrow night they play a sold out show at McCarren Park Pool. Last week Ben Gibbard talked to us about the new album, the old days, and a questionable recipe for peanut butter veggie sausage toast. more ›

Photo by Elizabeth Weinberg. more ›

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This photograph was spotted in Carroll Gardens; presumably there's someone someone named Sal who has a knack for busting evil spirits. more ›

With McCarren Park Pool soon becoming a place where one will hear children splashing in the water instead of hipsters sighing whilst listening to their new favorite band, the search is on for a new outdoor concert space. Of course, the venue simply wouldn't do unless it was in the mecca of indie rock, Williamsburg/Greenpoint. more ›

The fate of McCarren Park Pool turned around after being landmarked and given a $50 million gift from Bloomberg, yet its future look is still up in the air. Following the February 4th meeting, last night another Community Board meeting was held to discuss The Pool. This time architects Rogers Marvel and The Parks Department were on hand to present conceptual plans. Curbed has the reveal, but they note the renderings are merely "draft images and, of course, the redesign has to be approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission." more ›

Last night the first of two meetings to discuss the future plans of (the recently landmarked) McCarren Park Pool took place. The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation and architects Rogers & Marvel unveiled their plans and how they will spend Mayor Bloomberg’s $50 million. The initial press release listed: renovating McCarren Park Pool for swimming, creating a year-round recreation center, and preserving and restoring the historic bathhouse building and entry arch, as top priorities (based on a survey). more ›

Yesterday Javier Téllez brought some wildlife to McCarren Park Pool for a new project based on the blind men and the elephant. Beulah (pictured) is apparently "39 years old and loves gumdrops, apples and empty pools," not unlike many Greenpoint/Williamsburg residents (though a tad older). NYC Art in the Parks has more info on the Creative Time project:Javier Téllez, Games are Forbidden in the Labyrinth November 2007 McCarren Pool, Brooklyn Artist Javier Téllez brings... more ›

Unfortunately, what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas. Last night MTV took over the Strip and filled it with up and comers, the standard rock, rollers and rappers and of course...the token has beens. more ›

Last night Feist took the Letterman stage with a few of her friends. Nicole Atkins, A.C. Newman, Broken Social Scene's Kevin Drew and members of Brooklyn bands The National and Grizzly Bear were her backup singers, taking a page from the Bright Eyes guide to stage wear and donning all white. Watch it below... more ›

• Today on the Gothamist Newsmap: a shooting on Sutter Ave. in Brooklyn, a water rescue off the Breezy Point Jetty in Queens, and a missing child on East 178th St. in the Bronx.
• Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum is upset that Coney Island native and Knicks star Stephon Marbury donated 3,000 pairs of his new Starbury basketball shoes to male high school basketball teams, while ignoring the female players.
• The Brooklyn Paper reports that the Lincoln Plaza Hotel, which was advertised as a bed and breakfast but in reality was a by-the-hour brothel, is being renovated into luxury condos. Well-heeled eventual residents should not be expecting a welcome wagon, because neighbors are complaining they'd rather have a whorehouse on their street than rich condo-owners.
• Leona Helmsley moved into her final residence today: a 1,300 square foot space that featues stained glass windows with skyline views and 12 granite columns. The mausoleum is located in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Westchester.
• The Dept. of Health reported that of the 800,000 smoking New Yorkers who tried to quit the habit in the last year, only 17% were successful. Quitting aids like nicotine gum and patches will be distributed at the Whitehall Ferry Terminal Tuesdays through Thursdays from 3pm to 6pm for the next five weeks.
• The Gowanus Lounge has an update on the state of negotiations between vendors at the Red Hook ballfields and the Dept. of Health.
• SPIN has a page of photos and video of this summer's McCarren Park Pool Party concert.
• The manufacturers of Krasdale Gravy dry dog food are saying that some of their 5 lb. bags of dog food may be contaminated with salmonella. They are instructing to toss the food out and bring the bags back to the point of purchase for a refund. The tainted food was sold in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania and the packaging has the UPC code 7513062596.

THEATER: With his zany imagination and distinctive bass-baritone voice, Joseph Keckler (myspace) has been generating buzz throughout the gooey honeycomb of the downtown performance art cabaret scene. Tonight he sprinkles his particular blend of whimsical catnip at Dixon Place with Cat Lady, in which a man re-enacts an ordinary day with his mother, who runs a community theater with cat actors out of her home. “Past lives are recalled, songs are sung, and finally a trip to the vet's is made in this comedic and dark exploration of the relationship between art and trauma.” Part of the HOT! Festival. – John Del Signore more ›

The OSA (Open Space Alliance) has been working with the Parks Dept and between two community planning sessions, surveying at a concert and at McCarren's track & field they have surveyed 500 people. They also have their own outlet for your opines available online here. Those looking for more concerts will be disappointed to learn that this summer will likely be the last of the pool parties - the NY Press reports:

The mayor’s money has pool advocates confident that these large, loud concerts will soon be a thing of the past. “It’s not going to be the concert venue that it is now,” notes Joseph Vance of the Open Space Alliance, an organization expected to partner with the Parks Department for the renovation and subsequent administration of McCarren Pool. “There will be a pool with water in it,” he adds. more ›