The Manhattan Park Pool Club on Roosevelt Island has unveiled its colorful and eye-catching design for the summer of 2020. Every year a different artist is invited to transform the pool deck into a work of art. The program, which has run annually since 2015, is the result of a partnership between Citi Habitats New Developments, design firm K&Co, Pliskin Architecture, and Manhattan Park. The designs are always fun, bold, and vibrant. This year especially, the pool mural brings a much needed brightness to New York City’s summer activities.
Photograph by Max Touhey, Courtesy of Studio Proba
The 8,500-square-foot mural was created by designer Alex Proba. It took fifty gallons of paint to cover the entire pool deck! The multi-colored speckles, splatters, and globular shapes in the pool mural are elements that can be found throughout Proba’s work. Proba’s studio is known for crafting abstract rugs, countertops, ceilings, and other home goods.
Photograph by Max Touhey, Courtesy of Studio Proba
“We’re incredibly honored and super excited to be selected for the 6th year of this wonderful rotating mural project at the Manhattan Park Pool on Roosevelt Island,”  Proba told Untapped New York, “2020 is a year like none of us has ever imagined or could have predicted. And we have to say that this project means even more to us now than it would have in any other time. With every piece of art we, Studio Proba, release to the world we want to do one thing the most: we want to make you happy, even if it’s only for a second. We all need positivity and joy in our lives—even in hard times like these. Our work is a celebration of color and patterns which are a positive stimulation of the senses. We truly believe that art and especially murals completely transform an environment — they add life and personality. They make you smile when you see them. They are an emotion for me. Hopefully, this one radiates hope for a better future together.”
Photograph by Max Touhey, Courtesy of Studio Proba
The pool was originally set to open on May 23rd but was temporarily closed due to Covid-19. It is now open to visitors Monday through Friday from 9am to 8pm and weekends and holidays from 10am to 8pm. Roosevelt Island residents can purchase day passes $25 during the week or $30 on weekends and non-residents can purchase passes for $40 during the week and $60 on weekends and holidays. In addition to the Manhattan Park Pool Club, fifteen of New York City’s free, outdoor, public pools are now open! Visitors must wear a mask while not in the water and practice safe social distancing.
Photograph by Max Touhey, Courtesy of Studio Proba
Nicole Saraniero is the Insider-in-Chief at Untapped New York, leading our Untapped New York Insiders membership program. Nicole graduated from Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Science in Televis
