McCarren Park Pool

Unfortunately, I had a very disappointing experience here. The quality of the staff was shockingly poor. In the locker room, several employees were screaming and shouting for no apparent reason—even though there were small children around. It was incredibly unpleasant and completely inappropriate for a public facility. Yes, it’s a free pool, but that doesn’t mean there should be no standards. This kind of behavior sets a terrible example for kids. The area itself is generally safe, and everyone was enjoying the pool—until the loud and aggressive staff ruined the atmosphere. I also felt truly sorry for the person they were targeting. She did absolutely nothing wrong. The way she was treated was unfair and upsetting. Management really needs to improve staff training and professionalism.

The park is amazing, with great area for all! However unfortunately some people are not kind enough to realize that it is a smoke free area! This lady was smoking at the playground area. Some parents asked her to not smoke around the kids and she roughly and rudely denied to stop it! Common sense unfortunately is not there for everyone! The park still being very cool though!

Nice big pool, at times can get pretty crowded with kids. Sometimes you get your out of control group of kids but staff seems to help. If they don't notice it, then go and let them know and they'll help out. If you go early, that's the best time. Not over crowded, plus when it starts to get crowded then you can leave. They have lots of rules to follow so make sure you call to see what you can or can't bring with you.

Beautiful pool, restored building, lovely renovation. But the staff is so rude and mean that it will shock your sense of how a human should act to another human. I can't imagine management does not know about the staff culture here. But year after year, nothing is done to improve it. The staff in the locker room screamed at a child until she was in tears, saying that they wanted to take their break. The child was moving too slowly for them.

PROS and CONS list. Let's start with the cons, followed by the pros: HOURS: Limited hours with break in between. Open 11-3 (you have to leave the water at 2:45). Reopen 4-7 (out of the water at 6:45). RULES: So many rules. And you better know them and abide by them, or you will be spoken to like a child. STAFF: Rude and surly - just what you would expect from underpaid city employees. LOCKS: You MUST have a lock. You won't even be allowed past the gates until you show your lock. SECURITY THEATER: You will wait in a long line so they can "check your bag" before you get in (they are doing nothing, it's a waste of time and a total show). METAL GATES: Metal gates are everywhere, making you have to walk as far as possible from the pool to the locker rooms. Again, total security theater. (Don't