New York's Central Park Opens $160 Million Davis Center with Pool

Central Park is unveiling the new Davis Center at the Harlem Meer, a $160 million project designed by Susan T Rodriguez and Mitchell Giurgola, which replaces the outdated Lasker Rink and pool with a year-round recreational facility seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The centerpiece is a multi-functional water feature that transforms seasonally: serving as a swimming pool in summer, an ice skating rink in winter, and a green lawn during spring and fall. The redesign restores natural water flow between the Ravine and Harlem Meer, reconnects walking paths, and revives Olmsted and Vaux’s original vision for the park. Additional amenities include a turf field, wellness facilities, rental services, and a café, making the northeast corner of Central Park more accessible and attractive to both locals and tourists. The project is part of a broader Central Park Conservancy initiative to enhance ecological health and community engagement in an area historically overlooked by visitors. The Davis Center’s opening marks a significant milestone in Central Park’s ongoing restoration and transformation.