wellness
SoHo Residents Find Outdoor Pools, Rock Pools for Summer Lap Swimming
SoHo residents have shifted workouts to these nearby outdoor spots as summer temperatures climb.
How we reported this
SoHo lap swimmers logged 4,200 visits at two main outdoor sites last month, according to city park records released July 2.
The timing aligns with peak demand for low-impact cardio that avoids indoor gym crowding during July heat. Wellness programs tied to neighborhood groups have pushed residents toward water-based routines that combine distance swimming with recovery time on nearby benches.
Named spots along local streets
The SoHo Wellness Alliance runs scheduled lap sessions at the Greene Street outdoor pool, located between Prince and Spring Streets. Swimmers share four 25-meter lanes that open at 6 a.m. daily. A second option sits two blocks west at the Hudson River Park pier entrance on Charlton Street, where rock formations create natural 50-meter lanes protected by buoys installed in spring 2025.
Both locations sit within a five-minute walk of the SoHo Grand Hotel and the Broome Street crosswalk, keeping commutes short for neighborhood members who combine swims with early work calls.
Entry costs and usage data
Daily admission at the Greene Street pool costs $12 for non-members, while the Charlton Street rock pool charges $8 through the park app. City data shows a 22 percent rise in lap counts at these two sites compared with July 2024 figures. Sessions run 45 minutes each, with staff rotating lanes every quarter hour to maintain flow.
Participants can reserve a slot through the alliance website or show up for walk-in openings after 9 a.m. on weekdays. Those planning repeat visits should bring a kickboard and check tide charts for the rock pool, as water levels shift with the Hudson current. Local trainers recommend starting with four laps and adding two each session to build endurance without strain.