Bizarre NYC swimming pool left operating in the street for days goes viral
The Bronx neighborhood of Mount Hope Place is currently buzzing with excitement over an unexpected addition to the streets – a massive swimming pool set up right on the sidewalk. The unconventional pool was the brainchild of Kenny Perez, a longtime resident of the block and a former city lifeguard and swim instructor. Perez set up the pool as a surprise for his son’s birthday, using materials purchased from Facebook Marketplace.
The sight of the oversized pool jutting out from the sidewalk beneath a building under construction has caught the attention of social media, with a video of the setup going viral on TikTok. Despite the initial shock and disbelief from passersby, the pool has become a popular spot for neighborhood kids to cool off and have fun during the hot summer days.
While the NYPD has not yet intervened to shut down the makeshift pool, there have been reports of daredevils jumping off nearby apartment building scaffolding into the pool, much to the concern of local residents. Perez mentioned that the police have visited the site and asked for the pool to be taken down, but granted an extension for a few more hours of fun.
Despite potential violations such as blocking vehicular traffic and opening a fire hydrant without a permit, Perez has not seen any official action taken by the authorities. Residents of the neighborhood have embraced the pool as a way for the community’s children to come together and enjoy themselves in a safe environment.
The pool, treated with chlorine and other chemicals, is refilled using a plywood contraption connected to a nearby fire hydrant, providing a refreshing waterfall effect for the kids. Families have been flocking to the pool, bringing inflatables, water guns, and even unconventional items like a dead horseshoe crab to enhance the experience.
As the summer days continue to heat up, the Mount Hope Place swimming pool remains a popular attraction for local families looking to beat the heat and create lasting memories in this unique urban oasis. Despite the potential for the pool to be shut down at any moment, the sense of community and joy it has brought to the neighborhood is undeniable.
