3. Astoria Park Gave Rise to ‘The Aquazanies’ Swimming Group

In the early days, Astoria Pool was the site of choreographed swimming acts put on by a group of kid swimmers in the neighborhood known as “The Aquazanies.” According to NYC Parks and Recreation, the troupe performed together on Wednesday nights in the early 1940s, and each routine was made complete with music, props, costumes (and occasionally dogs). One participant was Whitney Hart, who later became a professional diver; he’s now honored in the Swimming Hall of Fame.