Roosevelt Island’s Manhattan Park pool transforms into a technicolor dreamscape for the summer

For the fifth year in a row, the outdoor pool at Manhattan Park—a waterfront rental community at 30 River Road on Roosevelt Island—has gotten a whimsical makeover just in time for summer. Citi Habitats New Developments, along with K&Co and Pliskin Architecture, worked with local artist Elizabeth Sutton to create the pop-up art installation, which will remain open throughout the season.

“This project began when we were hired to help reimagine and renovate the Manhattan Park community and our team was immediately drawn to this gem of a pool deck with sweeping Manhattan skyline and East River views,” explains Krista Ninivaggi, Founder of K&Co.

“However, the space was not as inspired as it’s setting. Without giving the deck a complete makeover, we wanted to make selective improvements that would reflect our excitement, and help it reach its potential. It’s the city, summer, nature, fun—all coming together.”

After the success of the first installation, the team decided to make it a yearly tradition. “We are constantly looking at artists and trying to imagine how their work might translate to a spectacular design,” Ninivaggi added. “Our office spends nearly the whole year debating who we should commission next.”

Sutton, who’s a member of the NYDesigns Incubator Program, made her mark on the space with a Pop Art-inspired, vibrant sunburst pattern. It took 60 gallons of paint in 18 different shades to transform the 96-foot long pool. Designer deck furniture—loungers, hammocks, chairs, and more—were selected to complement the installation.

The pool is open as of Memorial Day and though it’s primarily intended for Manhattan Park residents, the public can enjoy the cheery space for a fee. Non-Roosevelt Island residents can have access for $40 on weekdays and $60 on weekends while Roosevelt Island residents get to enjoy a slightly reduced fare, $25 during weekdays and $30 on weekends.

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• The 1936 ‘Summer of Pools’: When Robert Moses and the WPA cooled off NYC
• Floating pools on the Hudson and East Rivers kept New Yorkers cool as early as 1870

Images by Max Touhey for Citi Habitats