Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
New York City's Beaches Will Finally Open For Swimming July 1st
By
Sophia Chang
Published Jun 24, 2020
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Sophia Chang
Published Jun 24, 2020
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
New York City’s beaches will open July 1st for swimming, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday.
The long-awaited announcement, just ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, comes after de Blasio was criticized for first closing the beaches to the public, then only allowing walking or passive recreation.
Lifeguards, who have been training since May, will be on duty at the beaches that allow swimming.
The city’s playgrounds officially began opening Monday, and sprinklers and spray showers were also reportedly going to be activated, according to city Councilmember Justin Brannan. Those amenities are usually turned on once daytime temperatures start hitting 80 degrees or higher -- the forecast for this week shows temperatures in the 80s every day.
Brannan noted that the Parks Department was thinly-staffed so activating all the sprinklers in the city may take time.
The city’s pools remain closed and no plans have been announced on whether they will open this summer.
Tagged
beaches
COVID-19
playgrounds
Sophia Chang
Sophia Chang is a former WNYC and Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
NYC music in October: The Strokes, a Blink-182 cover band, and Polish experimentalism
An excellent and diverse month of concerts are in store for October.
By
Hank Shteamer
Published Oct 2, 2026
Are you a New Yorker? The Department of New Yorker Verification will now decide.
There is now an (un)official verification process for those who can claim the title of city resident.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Arts & Entertainment
Are you a New Yorker? The Department of New Yorker Verification will now decide.
There is now an (un)official verification process for those who can claim the title of city resident.
By
Hannah Frishberg
In the mood for a pastoral autumn experience? Try Queens.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
October is spooky season at the movies in New York City
By
Emma Stefansky
At the Museum at FIT, an argument for dolls as the ultimate fashion influencers
By
Quinn Moreland
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .