The Americas, Editor’s Pick

Stopping off in the Big Apple this week?  Well brace yourself, as New York is about to be hit by the east coast’s first scorching heatwave of the summer.

Children play in a fountain in Washington Square Park

Children play in a fountain in Washington Square Park this week.   Image by Getty Images

Forecasters are warning that the mercury will continue to soar for the week ahead after reaching 90F (32C) in the city on Wednesday this week. With an air quality alert in place in the tri-state area, it means weather conditions will be sticky for both visitors and seasoned locals over the coming days.
So if a refreshing dip is in order,  here are  five summer oases in the city …

 

Astoria Park Pool

 

Nestled on the banks of the East River, the Astoria Park Pool is one of the oldest and largest in the city.  The pool is 330ft long and first opened to the public in 1936.  During its colourful history, it has also played host to tryouts for the US swim and dive teams for the Olympics. With perfect views of the RFK Bridge and the sweeping Manhattan skyline, it’s no wonder that the Queens-based pool is regularly hailed as one of New York’s best.

 

Brooklyn Bridge Park Pool

 

Praias do Brooklyn!! #brooklynbridgepark #brooklynbridgeparkpool #popuppool #brooklynbridgeparkpopuppool

A photo posted by Sabrina Machry (@smachry) on Aug 21, 2014 at 7:50pm PDT

 

Perched on Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, this pop-up pool is one of New York’s summertime gems. The pool recently opened for the summer season, but it was welcomed with anguish by parents, visitors and Brooklynites as it is set to be the final year of the beloved turquoise oasis as it was only ever a temporary fixture. Surrounded by a faux beach and yellow deck chairs with a perfect view of the jaunty Manhattan skyline, this little pool is the perfect way to chill off in the scorching summer heat.

 

Central Park Pool

 

 

For those who find it too hot to laze around the rolling green slopes of Central Park, the Lasker Pool should also help you to cool down. Located just off 110th street within the park in uptown Manhattan, this cool retreat features two pools- both Olympic sized and wading baths- making it perfect for all the family.

 

The Beach at Dream Downtown

 

 

Staying in the city and fancy splashing the cash for luxurious surroundings?$60 will grab you a day pass for ‘The Beach’ rooftop pool and bar in New York’s trendy Meatpacking District. Complete with two cabanas, a bar, eaterie, imported sand, DJs and a glass-bottomed rooftop pool- it’s undoubtedly one of the most flash places to cool off in the city if you feel like treating yourself to something a little fancier than a public pool.

 

Kayaking on the Hudson

 

 

Is splashing about in a pool for an hour just not enough?  Well, ‘The Downtown Boathouse’ in lower Manhattan offers free access to open top kayaks on the Hudson River during the summer months. The free kayaking programme can be found at Pier 26 from May to October, and the operators stipulate that users must wear a lifejacket, know how to swim, sign a waiver and agree to comply with rules before they take to the water alongside Manhattan’s skyscrapers.