Keeping people waiting in the heat for an hour and half- won't let us in- won't tell us why- won't just say the pool is closed- VERY DISRESPECTFUL and unprofessional. They need to hire better people. read more

It's a hot summer day, on June 19, 2024. I was heading to Key Food via crossing Sunset Park. I'd sat on one of the many benches to cool off in the shade. Then I took out my phone and thought, why don't I take pictures of the park in different areas. It's a great park that has been diversify for so long and was created in 1891. Each area of the park fits together like a jigsaw puzzles. The park was very crowded today since it was a holiday. Hope you enjoyed the pictures. read more

Sunset Park Recreation Center - A great shot of the NY Skyline. - Recreation Centers Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Its a great place, pool is huge, lots of room. It's a really good spot, I am so thankful for it. Decently clean enough. I'm even thankful for the police officer in Brooklyn 72. When she has a better attitude make sure she gets plenty to eat, because people aren't themselves when they are hungry. She scared me so badly and turned her camera on to record the whole thing, not sure why, I was a minute away from leaving the entire building because of lightning warning. I'm even thankful that she decided to physically move closer and closer to me to carry out what she said she would do, forcefully removed me from the building. Before swimming today, I spoke with life guard staff before swimming today to make sure I knew exactly what the rules were before swimming, where to swim, and if I looked threatening in any way, Michael was very kind to encourage me that I didn't look threatening at all. I made sure that the staff I talked to who worked there knew that I was recovering from long term physical abuse and verbal and emotional abuse. Now I am banned from this facility and whoever ( Dion I have been made aware of ) whoever made the decision either isn't here, or can't talk to me, and no one else knows about the "banning". As an emotionally sensitive person, I feel so embarrassed being scared so badly that I screamed ( I'm not sure why, that has never happened before this badly in my entire life ) I kinda wish that cops who deal with rape perpetrator cases didn't work somewhere where small young children and moms need a safe space to be. I'm thankful for what happened, l... my vocal chords are damaged, I'm not ok and I'm ok because I'm forgiving officer 72 and moving on, and if she wants to forget about the whole thing and ask the manager to reinstate my privileges. Any one can view the recording she made from her vest when she escalated the situation herself and when I tried to calm her down, she emotionally attacked me, might as well have pulled a gun on me, and fired it... same to me. No difference in my mind. Not sure why she works around children. Photo caption: Me, banned from being somewhere, for being too slow and sensitive, and unable to stop myself from screaming when threatened to be laid hands on and physically cast out. So scary. Not sure why Brooklyn police officer 72 was working here today. Not sure how she unwinds everyday, she is _____ . I'm thankful I met officer 72 today so I could stand up for myself in regards to being harassed and threatened by a random person for being too slow. I was physically abused from birth. Threat of physical harm. When someone who touches rapists to solve crimes threatens to touch an emotionally sensitive healthy, I would rather die, not worth being touched by so much paranoid and murderous energy. I will be prosecuting to the full extent of the law. Her and her children for 10 generations will be Universally blacklisted from serving in any law enforcement jobs. I do bless them with high seated corporate well paying jobs better suited for the energy I saw today. What I saw today belongs far away in a nice building making decisions for humanity in comfort and safety. read more

So when my friend, who lives in Sunset Park, suggested we go to the public pool, I was a bit dubious. Since she'd been there, though, I figured she would know what's up and trusted her on this. I was so impressed and had a great lazy summer afternoon poolside. The walk through the park itself to the Rec. area is enjoyable and once at the pool, you walk in and are shown a locker area out back. It's required you lock up your belongings and only bring the basics to the pool: towel, sunscreen, sunglasses. They ask you to shower before entering the pool area, which is understandable. The pool itself is huge, crystal blue and has an area blocked off specifically for lane swimming, away from the main area. Lots of families with kids, all having a lot of fun but nothing too rowdy going on. Tons of lifeguards present and everyone and everything seemed organized and respectful. The water was clean and there is lots of room to escape the playing children if you want to just float around and relax. For seating, there are only a small handful of lounge chairs. If you can't snag one, there are cement bleachers to lay out on. That part wasn't the greatest but the fact there even is a public pool of this caliber is enough of a win. If I lived nearby, I can see making this a regular jaunt to cool off during the steamy, humid Brooklyn summer. I was really blown away by how amazing this pool is-from the way it's run to the safety and cleanliness. Great neighborhood spot. read more

As a gym, this place fails. There are 2 treadmills and one stepper - that's all the cardio machines they have. There is an outdoor pool. The fitness room just disappoints in every single way. There are no locker rooms. You change in a bathroom you would be scared to inhale through the mouth in. The lockers here are small, about a cubic foot at best. However, if you love ping pong, this is just great. This place has not 1, not 2, not 3, (too lazy to count up) but 7 Ping Pong tables. This place never goes silent due to the smacking back and forth of ping pong balls. I'm not sure if you have to bring your own or what. The first time I went there, there were kids in the front playing soccer. They were polite, but if they're allowed to play soccer in the front, I expect that every once in a while, a ball gets out of their control and probably hits someone or someone's car. Thankfully, they're all under 10 and probably have weak kicks. read more

Great place to play ping pong - high ceilings, good players, and can't beat the price. Also, there's a weight room right next to the tables for strength training. Have not tried any of the other activities here. read more

Terrible. Staff was rude. I didn't even know it was a public pool, I asked if there was a restroom nearby and the woman basically yelled at my child and I that if we were not members we can't use it. It's a public park, we found a public restroom after a short walk inside the park, she could have nicely directed us there. Also you need to keep close watch on your things, my sons scooter was stolen from the kid playground. read more

Sunset Park Pool has to be the worst city run operation next to NYCHA! I felt like I was taking my kid to a scared straight prison program. The woman at the door practically strip searched myself and my 12yr old upon entering mind you we both had on T-shirts and shorts with sandals and one towel. After the security check point we then reached a second where we told that our t-shirts were the wrong color? Huh? And no hats? We're not here to join a gang just to swim! What moron came up with these rules? How is this concerning our safety? And to top it off you can't even keep the pools clean! I think it's time you reorganize management and the hiring of staff especially the entry employees. read more

I love the pool. Some of these critiques are super racist - what's the matter, black kids having a good time scare you? The rules are there to make it work for everyone. Follow them and you'll have a great time. The lap swimming is marvelous. The staff is respectful and warm. read more

I'll be blunt to the folks complaining out the rules and the 'tude. It's a city pool in a diverse neighborhood. The rules are the same everywhere: locks, bathing suits, no phones or bottles on deck. The rules are for the general security and safety of a massive pool with TONS of people--many of whom do not speak English as a first language, and quite a few that look like they want to start trouble. The staff is there to enforce the rules for everyone. Given the sheer volume of people coming in, I don't fault them for their tone or their need to get everyone out when it's time. The pool is beautiful. The deck is clean, and the little astroturf hills are fun for the kids to roll on. That said, I believe there is a theft problem. I'm careful with and my family's belongings but at least once a summer, something goes missing that just shouldn't -- my shorts, a set of keys, a pair of jeans (wtf). I'd say if you go, be quick in the changing area. Watch your stuff like a hawk and don't even bother bringing your wallet. In and out, and you'll have a good time. read more

Miss Sarit and I came here for The Pool, which is a free public pool offered by NYC at Sunset Park. I did not have very high expectations for a free, municipally ran public swimming pool. The pool itself was in good condition, and they let you use the showers in the recreation center which is an indoor basketball court that looks like it hasn't seen much use for a while. The area was clean, and there were plenty of lifeguards watching to ensure everyone's safety (even if they did look 15 years old.) The one major problem I had with it is the degrading experience of being told that you have to show the guards (?) in the mens locker room that you are not wearing underwear before they will let you in to the pool. I did not understand why they asked this, nor did I comply. I put up enough of a fight so they just said whatever and I walked in - but it was a very degrading experience nonetheless. Classy. read more

I use the gym here all the time and it works great for me. The people are cool too. However during school year evenings, the gym does get busier and you may have to wait for your machine. If you like cardio, get running shoes and go run around Greenwood cemetary. It's a great 4 miles. Or there are some treadmills inside. read more

I went here over the summer and it was a terrible experience, the pool has unnecessary and strict rules such as no cellphones, no food, no underwear, and no swimming caps. I obviously didn't know until I got there and the staff gave me an attitude because I wanted to wear a head cap and I needed my phone to stay in contact with family members on that day. Save your headache and go to a different park. The parks I'm used to never have any weird policies. Seriously wtf. read more

If you're looking for a fun time with your family go somewhere else. Staff will treat you and your children like animals. Go here if you wanna feel like you're going into prison. Staff was yelling at the women in their locker room to finish in 3 minutes because we were cutting into their lunch?! Women with babies are being yelled at here to get out. No curtesy, wild unprofessional and abusive, they will verbally harass you and if you say something you'll be threatened to be banished from the pool lmaooo these people need some training in how to be humans in general. Trash goto redhook instead read more

Nice pool...nasty 'tude and harassed all the way into the water. When I read the comment about draconian policies I was skeptical, but once I went there I knew how this person felt, sort of like being in one of those prison yards on "Lockdown Raw..Compton". I'll walk you through it. It's 10:30a and I see the sign saying the pool opens at 11a but the doors are open so I walk in to see a group of about 8 african american women and girls sitting down at a table. They were laughing and talking until the point when they saw me and suddenly the laughing and smiles are gone they were looking at me as if I'd just killed someone. "Is the pool opening at 11a? I saw the sign but just wanted to be sure before I sit out there for half an hour". Eyes rolled, faces were made..."It open's at 11 sir". That was my first taste of the general 'tude at this place. Next up..cavity search...well not quite but it wouldn't have surprised me. I got on line and watched as people's bags were searched and they were asked a series of questions. The heavy set african american man checking everyone was really serious, not a hint of a smile and just seemed really unhappy to be there. Now remember, this is mostly children and their parents standing on line. When it was my turn I just put my hands in the air like I was about to be frisked. He asked to see my lock and I felt pretty good about not being one of those people "who didn't know :(". Well guess what? my lock did not meet their standards. "This here is a luggage lock, you' have to walk down to that store on the corner and get a real lock" okay I said... it's a luggage lock but you can't open it" sir, I can't let you in with that lock". So I get off the line and walk to the store I return with a new lock and I am finally allowed to enter with my young daughter. "Sir, you cannot wear that colored T-shirt on the grounds, you have to take everything off" Okay, so now I walk to the locker, put my stuff away and proceed to walk to the pool. "Sir,you can't bring that with you" "Bring what" I ask. He points to a wrap around my daughter has on which is basically a towel that I can wrap around my daughter. "That's a wrap around and it's not allowed". "This is a towel that I can wrap around my daughter" He answers.."You can't take it with you". I go back to the locker, lock it up and head back out. As I get near the showers there is someone sitting there directing me to shower. I shower and proceed to exit the building and there is someone else standing there checking me out whom I guess was just another layer of the lockdown raw team there to double check that I was clean. I look out at a huge pool with only 50 people, 22 life guards either sitting or walking around in circles, plus a few people in green shirts and two cops sitting under a canopy. I immediately hear a familiar life guard whistle and quickly turn to see the offender...a child about 6 years old running after his father. "beep beep!!! no running!" I decide to walk down a ramp leading into the water. On the way my daughter grabs the rail and tries to pull herself up. "beep beep!!...get off of there!" After a short swim with my daughter I come out and stand nearby to watch her. As I stand there a short heavy set african american kid waddles up to me. He was pretty nice with sort of a high pitched nerdy voice. He looks at my swimming trunks for a second and then asks..."are those swimming trunks?" I answer trying to hold back my irritation "yeah....you like them? got them at Macy's". He smiles and says "yeah, but do they have a lining?" Holy shit I think..I make it all this way and I'm about to get kicked out if I don't have a lining. This crap should have been done when I was standing on line. So I reach down into my crotch..exagerating my movements because I'm sure I may just get shot by the cops if I do anything unacceptable and I pull out my lining and show it to the nerd. I start telling him how crazy this place is and he agrees but says that no one there really wants to do what they're doing and that it's the city that makes all the rules. In a way I could understand how things need to be controlled. It's a free city pool and they don't want chaos, but there is a fine line between enforcing rules and just harassing people which is what I feel is happening here. As our discussion concludes I see a lifeguard walking up to him to ask if there's a problem..had there been yelling and violent gestures I could understand, but I was just talking to this person..scary. He waddles away to harass the next person he can find and I get my daughter and leave a few minutes later. So, you can come, but don't run, splash, climb, run, don't bring a cheap lock, don't wear a colored t-shirt, make suer your bathing suite has a lining, don't talk too much to any of the staff,don't ask questions, just get be really quiet and expect to be treated like a prisoner. read more

this review is for the pool only. i haven't checked out the other facilities. i like public pools, i really do. i like that they exist, i like that they are free, i like that they are open to the public, and i like that you can swim in them. that said, i believe public pools need to be maintained with a modicum of organization and responsibility. here is what i experienced when i visited the Sunset Park Rec Center Pool. the google satellite shot is pristine. inspired by Phelps's recent wins, i couldn't wait to get in the lane side and swim some laps. i ordered my goggles from amazon, waited out two days of rain, and finally walked up the steps at nearly 11 on a friday morning. i was promptly stopped by a gate guard who told me the pool didn't open until 11, but then told me to go in anyway, that the lifeguards would be right in. i did, and was stopped by a park security officer wearing what i believe to be way too many accessories in his military belt, among which included a billy club, handcuffs, various screwdrivers and widgety looking kits, a leatherman or two, several yards of boating rope, and a few hard plastic boxes containing who-knows-what. no german shepherd k9 dog by his side, but it would have fit the image. the park officer glared at me and told me to return to the gate line, that the pool was not open yet. i informed him that the gate guard had let me in, to which he replied, "Only to use the bathroom, I'm sure." i'd only just met him, and didn't feel right sharing my bathroom needs or non-needs with him, so i sullenly returned to the front. the gate guard looked at me like i was a child who'd just run away from school and asked me why i was back already. a few park employees milled about outside looking up at the cloudy sky and quipped about whether or not it would rain. i worked at a pool when i was 13. rainy days are paid off days. finally they let me in, i showed another guard that i'd brought my lock, shoved my stuff in a locker and headed around (and around) through the bathrooms being monitored by two park employees, through the world war II era communal showers to the emergency exit which led to the farthest corner of the pool from the lap lanes. crossing the pool deck, past the 25 lifeguards, i found a lounge chair, left my towel and shoes on it, and hopped in the pool. the temperature wasn't bad, given that it was a windy day, but it wasn't refreshing had it been a hot day. i made some pleasantries with the lifeguard, though he seemed not to hear me, and paddled down my lane. and then back up. and down again. i got in a few laps before the rains came, maybe 10 before the first big thunderclap, which brought several lifeguards to the edge of the pool tittering about who would call it. i hopped out and was already back in the gas chambers, i mean bathrooms, before the deafening tweets of their whistles could reach my ears. i opened my combination lock to and pulled my bag and shorts out along with 3 genuine new york shitty cucarachas, and scurried myself the hell out of there faster than the rains could soak me. read more

There are no words to describe this place. First off, we were supposed to go to this other pool with way better ratings. However, because of transportation problems, we decided to go to Sunset Pool, which was right around the corner. Upon arriving at the pool, we went in to wait in line. Couple minutes later, a young mother with two boys walked to the front of the line, not knowing there was a line. A black women (not to be racist) walked up to the young mother and was like "Show me your bathing suit!" in a extremely aggressive manner. She showed her top and the women staff said "now show me the bottom of it!" Like seriously. I am not exaggerating. The mother replied with a sarcastic comment that we did not hear. "DO NOT REPLY WITH A SARCASTIC COMMENT! I'M JUST TELLING YOU THE RULES! AND DO NOT CUSS IN FRONT OF YOUR OWN CHILDREN!" the women staff yelled. The mother turned and left. When it was our turn, the same women that yelled at the mother asked my two children for their age. My daughter, one 14 and the other 12, replied to her and she said that they must be 16 in order to go to the pool by themselves. My husband and I does not have swimming clothes so we asked her if we can just go in and accompany my children. The women staff then yelled "NO!" My husband was so furious and angry, he said sarcastically "What if I tell you they are 16?!" The women GLARED at my daughters and then screamed "OH? THEY'RE 16 NOW? THEY SAID THEY WERE JUST 14 AND 12! HAHA THEIR BIRTHDAY WAS TODAY!" to literally the whole entire staff member and the people in line. No one said anything. The other staffs were laughing. LAUGHING. This was not only disrespect to my children, I am ashamed to even be in the same human species as her. The women told us to leave in an even more disrespectful way. We couldn't take this anymore so we left, not looking back once. If you've read up to this point, you may think I'm exaggerating, but I promise you I am not. It might be clean in the pool and such, but the staffs are ridiculous. I gave this place one star cause if I do not, I won't be able to post this review. I would've given it a 0 if not negative if I could. I am never EVER coming back to this place ever again. Peace. read more

Spent the afternoon at this huge pool today and it was fantastic!! As other reviewers have pointed out, there are strict rules but they're pretty easy to follow. Be prepared to bring a school combination lock, a white shirt if you need a cover up and leave the gadgets for a few hours! I brought 2 towels, lotion, lip balm, a book, a white baseball hat & a reusable plastic water bottle with me to the pool. My other belongings were left in the locker. All of the staff were very pleasant to me & answered any questions I had. They have specific areas for lap swimmers and one for little kids. The main area was spacious enough to swim and play in without bumping into others! I had such a great time that I am going back tomorrow! read more

The pool opened today and the water is as clean as usual, clear blue and lightly chlorined! Although the bathrooms needs a little more lighting, the floor is rather dry and I was not slipping anywhere, so that was great! Love the pool here and love their security. read more

Being new to the area, I decided to go to the swimming pool area. The greeters were respectful. Upon entering, they will need to see proof that you have a bathing suit and a lock in order to put your belongings in a locker of which they have plenty of lockers available. I wanted to know what the rules of the swimming pool were, but there were none posted. I put my child to piggy on my shoulders, and the lifeguard said she was not allowed to hug at my neck. But then another lifeguard said she was not allowed to piggy and sit on my shoulders at all. So some, not all of the lifeguards appear to not know the rules. They need to have swimming pool rules on what's NOT allowed while in the pool. Another thing I noticed was that when we went to use the bathroom, the toilet stalls were SO FILTHY that I used the handicap bathroom.........whose doorknob was busted and ended up getting locked in until 3 Asian females opened the door for me. Another observation.........there are CONNECTING DOORS FROM THE MENS GYM TO THE WOMENS BATHROOM WITH A SEPARATION SO WIDE IN THE MIDDLE, YOU COULD SEE THE FEMALES IN THE BATHROOM AREA COMING IN AND OUT OF THE STALLS AND/OR CHANGING IN THERE. What were they thinking about when they connected a mens gym area to a woman's bathroom area? Instead of making ONE DOOR, they put in two doors that swing open with a gap in the center. Ultimately, the side bleachers where people could relax and get tans at.......... when was the last time any of the staff cleaned that area? Does anyone clean that area at all? I know we're not in the yuppy part of the neighborhood, but I hope the director of this parks department could show a little pride for Sunset Park and get it together........ My swimming experience was good, but to have a decent clean bathroom area that no one is capable of peeking into would be nice after I swim. I used to come to this pool as a child and the bathrooms are just as horrible......... read more

The staff here are the worst! Full of attitude and never believes a word you say! I understand regulation such as, no running, no diving, no electronics and must lock up your belongings but they are strict to the core! It really felt like a prison where you have to get checked at every checkpoint you pass. Without the physical pat and search, their eyes are basically patting your body and searching for anything to call you out for. I did not have a great time here despite it being summer and a place where kids and families can have fun! They do not allow you to go to the bathroom until you have changed in the locker rooms where there are no stalls to change privately. There are only family changing rooms where one adult may bring one kid to change in. They are too strict on clothing. It must either be white or swimwear material. I wore an exercise type of shorts that can dry easily but they wouldn't allow me! The first lady by the lockers let me go but the next two ladies did not believe me when i told them. I am 20 yrs old, an adult, and they had to check who I was with FIVE TIMES. Even when i told them I was LEAVING the pool. How else was I able to get in? If I was able to get in with no problem I should be able to leave with no problem. They also yelled at me for using my phone by the entrance...past the gates and the locker rooms where the pool is 20 ft away. I understand not using electronics by the pool but my family and I were leaving. So shouldn't it not be their problem? I'm leaving anyway! There was a lot of dirt and sand on the bottom of the pool and my little cousin complained that it hurt her feet! Why should any kid or anybody get hurt where they should be having fun? To balance this review (i guess) there are one or two things good about this place and the reason why I gave them an extra star. The pool is HUGE and separated into three parts: lanes, lessons area, and freeplay. It wasn't crowded on a weekday and there were enough places to put my things. By the pool theres a separate area where there are hills covered in fake grass where kids can run around and play. In the end, dont go there. Find another place. With nicer staff whos not up in your business. If you do come here, whatever your choice but expect multiple searches, unnecessary questions being asked, and following every single unnecessary rule. read more

This pool...not sure where to begin. The pool itself was great but the staff was very disgusting. Rude , inconsiderate to guests with children. They close at 7pm and they expect you to get out the pool and leave right away wet. They don't give guest enough time to change. The supervisor saw me with young children waiting for the family room and she insisted we go change in front of everyone in the locker room. I told her no, we need privacy and she still insisted we hurry up and go change in the locker room. There was a lady in front of me waiting for the family room and she told her to go to the locker room and change so we can use the room and the lady said she was first in line and she doesn't want any problems. They do not know how to speak to people, neither do they respect people and their privacy. I was the last one left and they had the chains on the gates and locked the place down. I would suggest they change the pool time to 6:30pm instead of 7pm so the guest will have enough time to change and leave out before 7pm. read more

This has to be one of the most inappropriate pools I ever been to in NYC !!! You have a group of teenagers jumping. . . . let me rephrase that DIVING in the pool and the lifeguards do nothing, absolutely nada about it. . Last time I checked it says "NO Diving" ! The teenagers that go here are reckless. . But its not the point I don't care how clean it looks or how "safe" it assumes to be I WILL NEVER STEP FOOT HERE ever again !! Honestly I didn't feel safe what so ever!!! This pool is always jammed pack and the teenagers that go here do whatever they want cause no one says anything to them!! The lifeguards are a joke and are BIG pushovers! Needless to say a couple was having sex on the little triangle that is in the middle of the pool. . They were going at it for about 20-30 minutes I know cause it was just sooo obvious! A comment was made to a life guard about the couple but once again all he did was blow his little whistle!!Couple of people in the pool noticed, and about two lifeguards did point them out but they didn't do anything. . This place is ghetto, and as clean as it appears I assure you I will never recommend anyone to go here not even my worst enemy. . No one should be expose to this nastiness . . The Couple should of been exposed or at least kicked out, there are children, it's a public pool, nobody needs to see that!! As for the staff well they need to get their stuff together and focus on real problems and not about if trunks bring nets , if the lock is good or not, what they need to focus on is what these teenagers are doing in their pool!!!! read more