An Astoria resident is petitioning the city to restore a decrepit diving pool to its former glory. NY1's Clodagh McGowan reports.

 

Kathleen Springer spent most of her summer days at the Astoria Park Pool growing up.

The Astoria resident says it’s her piece of paradise.

"It's terraced on the East River. It's one of the most spectacular views that you have of a park being situated, it's like being at the top of the Acropolis," said Springer.

Her favorite part of the complex is the art deco diving pool.

Robert Moses built it in the 1930's and at one time, it was the home of Olympic Trials for diving.

"The girls and the guys from all over the United States that participated in these trials came from all over the United States. I think this should be a historic, national landmark," said Springer.

But it hasn't been used since the 1980's when the city started phasing out public diving pools in parks due to safety and liability concerns.

Something some residents, like Kenneth Krivac, disagree with.

"There it's one at a time, everybody is monitored. You jump in, you swim to the ladder. That's more secure than that pool is," said Krivac.

Since 2012, there's been a $3 to $10 million plan in the works to reconstruct the diving pool as a performance space.

Springer says the idea would erase the diving pool's history and is petitioning to reopen it.

"I think it should be a renaissance," said Springer.

According to the Parks Department, the plan was approved by the community board and the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission. The design for the project is expected to be complete this fall.

A spokesperson went on to say the diving platform and pool would need to be completely reconstructed to restore it. The diving pool itself does not meet current Department of Health standards, including depth and size requirements for diving. In addition, it would need mechanical upgrades including a new filtration system, plumbing, pumps and drains.

Meantime, Springer will continue adding to the 600 plus signatures on her petition in hopes of one day bringing the diving pool back to life.