Sunset Park (Brooklyn park): Difference between revisions

Sunset Park
Sunset Park
	Exterior of the Sunset Play Center
Location	Sunset Park, Brooklyn, New York
Nearest city	New York City
Coordinates	40°38′53″N 74°00′13″W / 40.6481°N 74.0036°W
Area	24.5 acres (9.9 ha)
Created	1891
Operated by	New York City Department of Parks and Recreation
Open	7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Status	open
New York City Landmark
Designated	July 24, 2007
Reference no.	2242
Designated entity	Bathhouse facade and pool
New York City Landmark
Designated	July 24, 2007
Reference no.	2243
Designated entity	Bathhouse interior

Browse history interactively

← Previous edit

Content deleted Content added

VisualWikitext

Inline

Latest revision as of 20:50, 27 February 2024

Sunset Park is a 24.5-acre (9.9 ha) public park in the neighborhood of Sunset Park, Brooklyn, New York City, between 41st and 44th Streets and 5th and 7th Avenues. The modern-day park contains a playground, recreation center, and pool. The recreation center and pool comprise the Sunset Play Center, which was designated as both an exterior and interior landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. The park is operated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, also known as NYC Parks.

The land for the park was acquired from 1891 to 1905. The park initially contained a pond, golf course, rustic shelter, and carousel. These features were removed in 1935–1936 when the current neoclassical/Art Deco style pool was built by Aymar Embury II during a Works Progress Administration project. The swimming pool and play center were renovated from 1983 to 1984.

Description[edit]

Sunset Park is between Fifth Avenue to the west, Seventh Avenue to the east, 41st Street to the north, and 44th Street to the south,^[3] atop a 164-foot-tall (50 m) hill that is part of the Harbor Hill Moraine, a terminal moraine formed during the Last Glacial Period.^[4] The park's elevated location offers views of New York Harbor, Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and more distantly the hills of Staten Island and the U.S. state of New Jersey.^[3]^[5] Initially, Sunset Park contained a pond within its borders. According to Sergey Kadinsky, author of the book Hidden Waters of New York City, the pond was likely artificial since it did not appear on any maps prior to the park's creation. The pond was destroyed in 1935 with the construction of the current swimming pool.^[6] The Sunset Park Memorial Grove was planted in 2002 to commemorate victims of the September 11 attacks.^[7]

Recreation fields[edit]

Sunset Park contains numerous sporting fields. Within the namesake recreation center, there is an indoor basketball court, seven table tennis tables, a gymnasium and a billiard table.^[8] Outdoors, there are four basketball courts, two handball courts, two soccer fields, and a baseball field overlapping with one of the soccer fields.^[9] There is also a playground at Sixth Avenue.^[10] The outdoor fields are free for use by the general public,^[11] but some indoor activities require a membership.^[8]

Sunset Play Center[edit]

Bathhouse[edit]

The Sunset Play Center's bathhouse is on the eastern side of Sunset Park. The building contains a facade of brick in Flemish bond, and consists of a 1+1⁄2-story rotunda with one-story wings to the north and south, giving it a rough I-shape.^[12]^[13] The main entrance to the bath house, the eastern facade at Seventh Avenue, is approached by a short granite stairway, though there is also a handicap-accessible ramp to the south of the steps. It leads directly to the rotunda. A back entrance, from the west, leads directly to the swimming pool. The top of the building facade is wrapped with a motif composed of cast stone and brick chevrons, set in a pattern of diamonds and triangles.^[13] The interior of the rotunda contains a similar motif along the top of the wall.^[14]

The rotunda is a cylindrical brick structure. Seen from its eastern facade, the rotunda is between and set behind two piers made of Flemish bond brick, each of which contain a flagpole and tile panel. The words sunset play center are inscribed in a granite tablet above the main (eastern) entrance; the entrance itself consists of a set of metal doors. The western entrance, facing the pool, is nearly identical but does not contain flagpoles, and a large NYC Parks logo is hung above that entrance's metal doors.^[13] Inside the building, the wall is mostly made of Flemish bond brick with a granite base. The lobby is inside the rotunda and is composed of three parts: the foyer leading east to the entrance, the central cylinder, and the foyer leading west to the pool. The foyers are one story high while the center cylinder is one and a half stories. The curved outer wall is topped by a lintel made of concrete. Light fixtures hang from the white-plaster ceiling. At the clerestory level, near the top of the lobby, there are 16 small windows. The floor is made of dark blue and terracotta tiling and contains several drains.^[14]

The north and south wings of the bathhouse are nearly identical in design, except that the northern wing is on a downward slope and contains a basement garage. The eastern facades each contain seven steel windows with metal screens and stone sills. There are five windows of similar style at the end of each wing. Both the north and south wings are connected to brick retaining walls that enclose the pool area to the west.^[13]^[15] The men's locker room is to the south of the rotunda while the women's locker room is to the north.^[15]

Pool[edit]

West of the bathhouse, Sunset Park contains an enclosed elliptical pool area that is aligned north-south.^[16] The main swimming pool is rectangular and measures 256 by 165 feet (78 by 50 m),^[17]^[a] with a depth of 3.5 feet (1.1 m).^[18] There were also two semicircular 165-foot-diameter (50 m) pools for wading and diving, one on either end of the main pool, though these are no longer in use.^[17] The deck surrounding all three pools is made of cement. The western part of the deck contains concrete bleachers with seven rows, underneath which is the filter house. A brick wall is behind the bleachers, and is adjacent to the handball courts to the west. A pump house is to the north of the bleachers.^[16] A former "comfort station" or restroom (now used as storage space) is to the south, with separate entrances for boys and girls on the north facade, but these have been bricked up.^[17]

The diving pool was to the south of the main rectangular pool, but has been filled in for use as a volleyball court. The wading pool, to the north of the main pool, still exists but has been drained, and spray fountains have been installed. Both pools are surrounded by a metal fence on their curved side, which contain Flemish-bond brick piers. A brick wall separates the wading pool from the main pool. Steps run along the curved side of the wading pool, and there is a concrete ramp leading to the wading pool area.^[17]

History[edit]

Early history[edit]

Sunset Park originally consisted of four blocks of land, from Fifth to Seventh Avenues between 41st and 43rd Streets. The city of Brooklyn acquired the land on May 15, 1891, as part of its plan to build several parks citywide, including Winthrop, Bedford and Bushwick parks.^[19]^[20]^[21] The previous landowner was Patrick H. Flynn, a contractor who, according to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, "sold the park department the site for the proposed Sunset Park in the Eighth Ward without consulting the owners. Then he went around and bought up the property at a low figure and is said to have made a good thing out of it."^[22] The Eagle itself praised the site as having "one of the finest views in the city".^[21] A New York Times reporter, writing in 1894, praised the "magnificent views of earth and sky and water" that could be experienced from the high point of Sunset Park, some 200 feet (61 m) above sea level.^[23]

Sunset Park became a popular gathering place for residents of the area (then considered part of Bay Ridge and South Brooklyn),^[23] and its initial users were mostly Polish and Scandinavian immigrants who had arrived within the last two decades.^[20] However, development of the park was precluded by its irregular topography.^[24] By 1893, the city of Brooklyn decided to expand Sunset Park southward.^[25] A New York Times article that year observed that the park lacked amenities and was situated on high bluffs that could only be reached by 60-foot (18 m) ladders.^[23] Furthermore, the article stated that it would cost at least $500,000 to improve the park.^[23] In 1899, the city of New York constructed a six-hole golf course in Sunset Park, and started some other improvements such as installing retaining walls.^[26]^[27] Even so, the Eagle observed that the park was still lacking basic amenities such as benches or drinking fountains.^[28] The park was expanded southward to 44th Street in 1904.^[25] Other features added in the first decade of the 20th century included a new landscaping, a pond, a Neoclassical rustic shelter, and a carousel.^[27]^[29] Concerts started being held by 1906, and a grand staircase to Fifth Avenue was completed by 1910.^[25]

The surrounding neighborhood, south of Green-Wood Cemetery and east of Fourth Avenue, was mostly undeveloped at the time.^[20] After the Fifth Avenue elevated line was extended south from 36th Street to 65th Street on October 1, 1893,^[30]^[31] development came rapidly.^[20] Residential construction boomed in the late 19th and early 20th century amid real estate speculation initiated by the construction of the park and the Fifth Avenue elevated line^[32] and, by 1909, there was significant development surrounding the park.^[33] With the news that the New York City Subway's Fourth Avenue Line would constructed in the area, two-story houses were constructed on the south side of Sunset Park.^[34] Two-story houses were the most common housing stock in this part of South Brooklyn at the time; the Eagle said that two-family houses were "particularly attractive to people who desire comparatively small apartments, but who object to living in flats, and they appeal to this class on account of their being more quiet, and possibly, more exclusive."^[35] The Fourth Avenue subway opened to 59th Street in 1915,^[36] further spurring the growth of the surrounding neighborhood as a low-rise middle-class area,^[20] and in particular the Finnish enclave directly south of the park.^[37]

Works Progress Administration renovation[edit]

In 1934, mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia nominated Robert Moses to become commissioner of a unified New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. At the time, the United States was experiencing the Great Depression; immediately after La Guardia won the 1933 election, Moses began to write "a plan for putting 80,000 men to work on 1,700 relief projects".^[38]^[39] By the time he was in office, several hundred such projects were underway across the city.^[40]

Moses was especially interested in creating new pools and other bathing facilities, such as those in Jacob Riis Park, Jones Beach, and Orchard Beach.^[41]^[42] He devised a list of 23 pools around the city, including one at Sunset Park.^[43]^[44] The pools would be built using funds from the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a federal agency created as part of the New Deal to combat the Depression's negative effects.^[41]^[45] Eleven of these pools were to be designed concurrently and open in 1936. Moses, along with architects Aymar Embury II and Gilmore David Clarke, created a common design for each of the 11 proposed aquatic centers. Each location was to have distinct pools for diving, swimming, and wading; bleachers and viewing areas; and bathhouses with locker rooms that could be used as gymnasiums. The pools were to have several common features, such as a minimum 55-yard (50 m) length, underwater lighting, heating, filtration, and low-cost construction materials. To fit the requirement for cheap materials, each building would be built using elements of the Streamline Moderne and Classical architectural styles. The buildings would also be near "comfort stations", additional playgrounds, and spruced-up landscapes.^[46]^[47]^[48]

Construction for some of the 11 pools began in October 1934.^[47]^[49] The pond, golf course, rustic shelter, and carousel were removed to make way for the new pool at Sunset Park, which would be on the park's eastern side.^[50] The blueprints for the Sunset Park pool were submitted to the New York City Department of Buildings in August 1935, by which point WPA workers were already working at the site.^[47] During construction, several Native American artifacts were found at the site of the old pond.^[51] By mid-1936, ten of the eleven WPA-funded pools were completed and were being opened at a pace of one per week.^[41] The Sunset Pool was the sixth of these pools to open.^[52]^[53]^[b] The pool was dedicated on July 20, 1936, with a crowd of 3,500 spectators.^[54] The center, the first of four planned WPA pools in Brooklyn,^[45] was composed of a one-story bathhouse with a capacity of 4,850; a 256-by-165-foot (78 by 50 m) pool; and two semicircular 165-foot-diameter (50 m) pools for wading and diving.^[55]

In 1938, the city announced that it would rebuild the western section of Sunset Park as well.^[56] By the next year, a WPA project was underway for the western part of the park. A steep 65-foot (20 m) slope was reduced to 40 feet (12 m) to lessen erosion, and a soldiers' monument was relocated. In addition, new concrete-block paths and drainage had been laid and an old comfort station had been destroyed.^[51] Plans for minor modifications to the Sunset Play Center were filed in September 1940. By the early 1940s, WPA workers had finished the landscaping of the site, including new plantings, lawn restoration, and other rehabilitation.^[52]

Later years[edit]

By the 1970s, Sunset Park and other city parks were in poor condition following the 1975 New York City fiscal crisis. NYC Parks commenced a project to restore the pools in several parks in 1977, including at Sunset Park, for whose restoration the agency set aside an estimated $5.8 million (equivalent to $22,766,000 in 2023).^[57] These projects were not carried out due to a lack of money. By March 1981, NYC Parks had only 2,900 employees in its total staff, less than 10 percent of the 30,000 present when Moses was parks commissioner.^[52]^[58] Despite the revitalization of the surrounding neighborhood, partially due to efforts by Asian and Latin American immigrants who moved to the area,^[59] the park was still perceived as rundown, and graffiti and vandalism were common.^[60]

In 1982, the NYC Parks budget increased greatly, enabling the agency to carry out $76 million worth of restoration projects by year's end; among these projects was the restoration of the Sunset Park pool.^[61] Work had begun by early 1983, and the complex was closed for two summer seasons while work was ongoing.^[57] The play center reopened on August 8, 1984.^[62] In addition to the renovated play center, the diving pool was infilled for the construction of a volleyball court; spray fountains at the wading pool's former site were installed in 1988; and murals were installed in the locker rooms.^[57]

NYC Parks continued to face financial shortfalls in the coming years, and the pools retained a reputation for high crime.^[57] For the summer of 1991, mayor David Dinkins had planned to close all 32 outdoor pools in the city, a decision that was only reversed after a $2 million donation from a trust created upon the death of real estate developer Sol Goldman^[63] and $1.8 million from other sources.^[57] Additionally, in the 1990s, a practice called "whirlpooling" became common in New York City pools such as Sunset Park, wherein women would be inappropriately fondled by teenage boys.^[64]^[65] By the turn of the century, crimes such as sexual assaults had decreased in parks citywide due to increased security.^[57]

In 2007, the Sunset Play Center's interior and exterior were both designated as official city landmarks by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.^[66] The commission had previously considered the pool for landmark status in 1990, along with the other ten WPA pools in the city.^[1]^[67] A reconstruction of the playground was completed in 2017.^[68]^[69] The same year, a $4 million renovation of the Sunset Park Play Center was approved.^[70] Following an influx of asylum seekers to New York City, in August 2023, city officials converted portions of the recreation centers at McCarren Park and Sunset Park into temporary shelters,^[71]^[72] prompting protests from local residents.^[73]^[74] The shelter had closed by the next month.^[75]

References[edit]

Notes[edit]

^ Dimensions of the main pool are alternatively given as 259 by 162 feet (79 by 49 m).^[18]
^ The pools opened in the following chronological order: Hamilton Fish Park, Thomas Jefferson Park, Astoria Park, Tompkinsville Pool, Highbridge Park, Sunset Park, Crotona Park, McCarren Park, Betsy Head Park, Colonial Park, and Red Hook Park.^[46]^[53]

Citations[edit]

^ ^a ^b ^c Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, p. 1.
^ ^a ^b Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior 2007, p. 1.
^ ^a ^b "Sunset Park : NYC Parks". www.nycgovparks.org. Archived from the original on August 13, 2019. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
^ "Sunset Park: A View From The Ridge". NYC Department of Records & Information Services. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
^ Federal Writers' Project (1939). New York City Guide. New York: Random House. p. 468. ISBN 978-1-60354-055-1. (Reprinted by Scholarly Press, 1976; often referred to as WPA Guide to New York City.)
^ Kadinsky, Sergey (2016). Hidden Waters of New York City: A History and Guide to 101 Forgotten Lakes, Ponds, Creeks, and Streams in the Five Boroughs. New York, NY: Countryman Press. p. 240. ISBN 978-1-58157-566-8.
^ "Brooklyn Celebrates Life With the Planting of the City's First Memorial Grove". New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. December 4, 2002. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
^ ^a ^b "Sunset Park Recreation Center : NYC Parks". www.nycgovparks.org. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
^ "Field and Court Usage Report for Sunset Park : NYC Parks". www.nycgovparks.org. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
^ "Sunset Park Playgrounds : NYC Parks". www.nycgovparks.org. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
^ Wolfe, Jonathan (June 18, 2015). "How to Find Hassle-Free Playing Fields With Priceless Views". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
^ Diamonstein-Spielvogel, Barbaralee (2011). The Landmarks of New York (5th ed.). Albany, New York: State University of New York Press. p. 619. ISBN 978-1-4384-3769-9.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, p. 12.
^ ^a ^b Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior 2007, p. 11.
^ ^a ^b Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior 2007, p. 12.
^ ^a ^b Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, p. 13.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, p. 14.
^ ^a ^b Rein, Lisa (June 30, 1999). "Taking the plunge". New York Daily News. p. 164. Archived from the original on May 9, 2022. Retrieved January 17, 2021 – via newspapers.com .
^ Landmarks Preservation Commission 2019, p. 12.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, p. 3.
^ ^a ^b "Brooklyn's New Parks". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. July 7, 1892. p. 5. Retrieved August 8, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .
^ "A Finger in Many Pies". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. February 21, 1892. p. 2. Retrieved August 8, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "Brooklyn's Sunset Park; Where Magnificent Views of Earth and Sea May Be Had". The New York Times. August 5, 1894. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 7, 2019. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
^ "Just One of the Scandals; Outrageous Price Paid for Alderman Coffey's Park". The New York Times. October 22, 1893. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 7, 2019. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
^ ^a ^b ^c Landmarks Preservation Commission 2019, p. 13.
^ "1899 New York City Department of Public Parks Annual Report" (PDF). nyc.gov. New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. 1899. p. 76 (PDF p. 77). Archived (PDF) from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
^ ^a ^b "Sunset Park Highlights". Sunset Park and Pool : NYC Parks. June 26, 1939. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
^ "Brooklyn's New Parks". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. July 17, 1899. p. 14. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .
^ "Small Parks Get Attention". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. October 19, 1902. p. 9. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .
^ "Trial Trip on the Sea Side". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. September 30, 1893. p. 10. Archived from the original on August 1, 2019. Retrieved August 12, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .
^ "Through Trains To-day". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. October 1, 1893. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 1, 2019. Retrieved August 12, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .
^ Jackson, Kenneth T.; Manbeck, John B., eds. (2004). The Neighborhoods of Brooklyn (2nd ed.). New Haven, Connecticut: Citizens for NYC and Yale University Press. pp. 200–205. ISBN 0-300-10310-7.
^ "On Sunset Park Slope". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. April 4, 1909. p. 48. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .
^ Landmarks Preservation Commission 2019, p. 15.
^ "Realty Market in a More Hopeful Condition". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. September 21, 1901. p. 15. Retrieved August 8, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .
^ "Queensboro Tunnel Officially Opened; Subway, Started Twenty-three Years Ago, Links Grand Central and Long Island City" (PDF). The New York Times. June 23, 1915. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2019. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
^ "Ever Hear of Little Finland in America? It's Right Here in Brooklyn, Called 'Finntown'". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. May 29, 1932. p. 7. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .
^ Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, pp. 4–5.
^ Rodgers 1952, p. 82.
^ Rodgers 1952, p. 84.
^ ^a ^b ^c Caro, Robert (1974). The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York. New York: Knopf. p. 456. ISBN 978-0-394-48076-3. OCLC 834874.
^ Stern, Robert A. M.; Gilmartin, Patrick; Mellins, Thomas (1987). New York 1930: Architecture and Urbanism Between the Two World Wars. New York: Rizzoli. p. 717. ISBN 978-0-8478-3096-1. OCLC 13860977.
^ "23 Bathing Pools Planned by Moses; Nine to Be Begun in a Month to Meet Shortage of Facilities Caused by Pollution". The New York Times. July 23, 1934. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
^ "Public Swimming Facilities in New York City" (PDF) (Press release). New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. July 23, 1934. p. 3 (PDF p. 30). Archived (PDF) from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
^ ^a ^b "City to Construct 9 Pools To Provide Safe Swimming". New York Daily News. July 23, 1934. p. 8. Archived from the original on May 9, 2022. Retrieved August 18, 2019 – via newspapers.com .
^ ^a ^b "History of Parks' Swimming Pools". New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Archived from the original on January 17, 2021. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
^ ^a ^b ^c Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, p. 7.
^ Shattuck, Kathryn (August 14, 2006). "Big Chill of '36: Show Celebrates Giant Depression-Era Pools That Cool New York". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on January 10, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
^ "Park Work Is Begun on 2 Bathing Pools; Construction Under Way at High Bridge and Hamilton Fish -- 7 Others to Be Started Soon" (PDF). The New York Times. October 4, 1934. p. 48. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on May 9, 2022. Retrieved January 13, 2021.
^ "Sunset Park Recreation Center" (PDF). nycgovparks.org. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 3, 2018. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
^ ^a ^b "WPA Gives Sunset Park Face-Lifting". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. September 3, 1939. p. 4. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .
^ ^a ^b ^c Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, p. 10.
^ ^a ^b Gutman, Marta (November 1, 2008). "Race, Place, and Play: Robert Moses and the WPA Swimming Pools in New York City". Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians. Vol. 67, no. 4. University of California Press. p. 555. doi:10.1525/jsah.2008.67.4.532. ISSN 0037-9808.
^ "Mayor Opens Pool in Brooklyn Park; Turns on Under-water Lights in Sunset Swimming Center as 3,500 Look on". The New York Times. July 21, 1936. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
^ Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, p. 8.
^ "Whole Western Section of Sunset Park on WPA List for Reconstruction". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. September 28, 1938. p. 29. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, p. 11.
^ Carmody, Deirdre (March 15, 1981). "Parks Department to Start Hiring for First Time Since Fiscal Crisis". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
^ Landmarks Preservation Commission 2019, pp. 20–21.
^ Davila, Albert (March 1, 1981). "Awaiting waterfront rebirth". New York Daily News. p. 282. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2019 – via newspapers.com .
^ Carmody, Deirdre (June 25, 1982). "City to Start Repairing Three of Its Swimming Pools". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. ProQuest 121985503.
^ "Sunset Park in the swim". New York Daily News. August 9, 1984. p. 110. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2019 – via newspapers.com .
^ "Donation Will Keep 32 Public Pools Open". The New York Times. May 16, 1991. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
^ Marriott, Michel (July 7, 1993). "A Menacing Ritual Is Called Common in New York Pools". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
^ Terrazzano, Lauren (July 11, 1994). "Deep at City Pool; Sex harass is pervasive". New York Daily News. pp. 7, 20 – via newspapers.com .
^ Dunlap, David W. (July 25, 2007). "McCarren Pool in Brooklyn Is Now a Landmark". City Room. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
^ Brozan, Nadine (July 30, 1990). "A Crumbling Pool Divides a Neighborhood". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on January 10, 2021. Retrieved January 11, 2021.
^ "Sunset Park Playground Reconstruction". New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
^ Zagare, Liena (August 11, 2017). "Sunset Park Playground Is Open". Bklyner. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
^ Wong, Pamela (May 10, 2017). "Sunset Park Recreation Center Gets Approval For Much-Needed Renovations". Bklyner. Archived from the original on August 22, 2019. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
^ Rosoff, Henry (August 5, 2023). "NYC using Brooklyn parks as migrant housing". PIX11. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
^ "Asylum seekers coming to McCarren Park's recreation center". Brooklyn Eagle. August 4, 2023. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
^ Rozner, Lisa (August 6, 2023). "Residents protest asylum seeker shelter at Sunset Park Recreation Center". CBS New York. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
^ Ostadan, Bahar (August 6, 2023). "New migrant respite center in Sunset Park draws opposition from first-generation immigrants". Gothamist. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
^ Heisler, Todd; Newman, Andy; Vilchis, Raúl; Bensimon, Olivia (September 28, 2023). "Where the Migrants Who Came to New York Are Living Now". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 28, 2023.

Sources[edit]

Davis, Amanda B. (July 24, 2007). "Sunset Play Center Exterior" (PDF). New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 1, 2022. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
Davis, Amanda B. (July 24, 2007). "Sunset Play Center Interior" (PDF). New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 1, 2022. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
Caratzas, Michael; Baldwin, Jessica (June 18, 2019). "Sunset Park North Historic District" (PDF). New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 7, 2019. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
Rodgers, Cleveland (1952). Robert Moses, Builder for Democracy. New York: Holt. OCLC 528489. Archived from the original on January 1, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2022.

External links[edit]

Official website

[19] Dimensions of the main pool are alternatively given as 259 by 162 feet (79 by 49 m).^[18]

[55] The pools opened in the following chronological order: Hamilton Fish Park, Thomas Jefferson Park, Astoria Park, Tompkinsville Pool, Highbridge Park, Sunset Park, Crotona Park, McCarren Park, Betsy Head Park, Colonial Park, and Red Hook Park.^[46]^[53]

[NYCL_p._1-1] Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, p. 1.

[NYCL_(Interior)_p._1-2] Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior 2007, p. 1.

[NYC_Parks_Sunset_Park-3] "Sunset Park : NYC Parks". www.nycgovparks.org. Archived from the original on August 13, 2019. Retrieved June 11, 2019.

[4] "Sunset Park: A View From The Ridge". NYC Department of Records & Information Services. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.

[5] Federal Writers' Project (1939). New York City Guide. New York: Random House. p. 468. ISBN 978-1-60354-055-1. (Reprinted by Scholarly Press, 1976; often referred to as WPA Guide to New York City.)

[6] Kadinsky, Sergey (2016). Hidden Waters of New York City: A History and Guide to 101 Forgotten Lakes, Ponds, Creeks, and Streams in the Five Boroughs. New York, NY: Countryman Press. p. 240. ISBN 978-1-58157-566-8.

[7] "Brooklyn Celebrates Life With the Planting of the City's First Memorial Grove". New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. December 4, 2002. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.

[NYC_Parks_Sunset_Rec-8] "Sunset Park Recreation Center : NYC Parks". www.nycgovparks.org. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.

[9] "Field and Court Usage Report for Sunset Park : NYC Parks". www.nycgovparks.org. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.

[10] "Sunset Park Playgrounds : NYC Parks". www.nycgovparks.org. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.

[11] Wolfe, Jonathan (June 18, 2015). "How to Find Hassle-Free Playing Fields With Priceless Views". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.

[12] Diamonstein-Spielvogel, Barbaralee (2011). The Landmarks of New York (5th ed.). Albany, New York: State University of New York Press. p. 619. ISBN 978-1-4384-3769-9.

[Exterior_p._12-13] Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, p. 12.

[Interior_p._11-14] Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior 2007, p. 11.

[Interior_p._12-15] Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior 2007, p. 12.

[Exterior_p._132-16] Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, p. 13.

[Exterior_p._14-17] Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, p. 14.

[nydn19990630-18] Rein, Lisa (June 30, 1999). "Taking the plunge". New York Daily News. p. 164. Archived from the original on May 9, 2022. Retrieved January 17, 2021 – via newspapers.com .

[20] Landmarks Preservation Commission 2019, p. 12.

[Exterior_p._3-21] Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, p. 3.

[bde18920707-22] "Brooklyn's New Parks". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. July 7, 1892. p. 5. Retrieved August 8, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .

[23] "A Finger in Many Pies". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. February 21, 1892. p. 2. Retrieved August 8, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .

[nyt18940805-24] "Brooklyn's Sunset Park; Where Magnificent Views of Earth and Sea May Be Had". The New York Times. August 5, 1894. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 7, 2019. Retrieved August 8, 2019.

[25] "Just One of the Scandals; Outrageous Price Paid for Alderman Coffey's Park". The New York Times. October 22, 1893. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 7, 2019. Retrieved August 7, 2019.

[NYCL_(2019)_p._13-26] Landmarks Preservation Commission 2019, p. 13.

[27] "1899 New York City Department of Public Parks Annual Report" (PDF). nyc.gov. New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. 1899. p. 76 (PDF p. 77). Archived (PDF) from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved August 9, 2019.

[NYC_Parks-28] "Sunset Park Highlights". Sunset Park and Pool : NYC Parks. June 26, 1939. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2019.

[29] "Brooklyn's New Parks". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. July 17, 1899. p. 14. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .

[30] "Small Parks Get Attention". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. October 19, 1902. p. 9. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .

[31] "Trial Trip on the Sea Side". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. September 30, 1893. p. 10. Archived from the original on August 1, 2019. Retrieved August 12, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .

[32] "Through Trains To-day". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. October 1, 1893. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 1, 2019. Retrieved August 12, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .

[33] Jackson, Kenneth T.; Manbeck, John B., eds. (2004). The Neighborhoods of Brooklyn (2nd ed.). New Haven, Connecticut: Citizens for NYC and Yale University Press. pp. 200–205. ISBN 0-300-10310-7.

[34] "On Sunset Park Slope". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. April 4, 1909. p. 48. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .

[35] Landmarks Preservation Commission 2019, p. 15.

[36] "Realty Market in a More Hopeful Condition". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. September 21, 1901. p. 15. Retrieved August 8, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .

[37] "Queensboro Tunnel Officially Opened; Subway, Started Twenty-three Years Ago, Links Grand Central and Long Island City" (PDF). The New York Times. June 23, 1915. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2019. Retrieved May 4, 2017.

[38] "Ever Hear of Little Finland in America? It's Right Here in Brooklyn, Called 'Finntown'". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. May 29, 1932. p. 7. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .

[39] Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, pp. 4–5.

[40] Rodgers 1952, p. 82.

[41] Rodgers 1952, p. 84.

[Caro456-42] Caro, Robert (1974). The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York. New York: Knopf. p. 456. ISBN 978-0-394-48076-3. OCLC 834874.

[NY1930-43] Stern, Robert A. M.; Gilmartin, Patrick; Mellins, Thomas (1987). New York 1930: Architecture and Urbanism Between the Two World Wars. New York: Rizzoli. p. 717. ISBN 978-0-8478-3096-1. OCLC 13860977.

[44] "23 Bathing Pools Planned by Moses; Nine to Be Begun in a Month to Meet Shortage of Facilities Caused by Pollution". The New York Times. July 23, 1934. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.

[45] "Public Swimming Facilities in New York City" (PDF) (Press release). New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. July 23, 1934. p. 3 (PDF p. 30). Archived (PDF) from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 6, 2021.

[nydn19340723-46] "City to Construct 9 Pools To Provide Safe Swimming". New York Daily News. July 23, 1934. p. 8. Archived from the original on May 9, 2022. Retrieved August 18, 2019 – via newspapers.com .

[NYC_Parks_Pools_History-47] "History of Parks' Swimming Pools". New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Archived from the original on January 17, 2021. Retrieved January 15, 2021.

[Exterior_p._7-48] Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, p. 7.

[49] Shattuck, Kathryn (August 14, 2006). "Big Chill of '36: Show Celebrates Giant Depression-Era Pools That Cool New York". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on January 10, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2021.

[50] "Park Work Is Begun on 2 Bathing Pools; Construction Under Way at High Bridge and Hamilton Fish -- 7 Others to Be Started Soon" (PDF). The New York Times. October 4, 1934. p. 48. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on May 9, 2022. Retrieved January 13, 2021.

[51] "Sunset Park Recreation Center" (PDF). nycgovparks.org. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 3, 2018. Retrieved June 11, 2019.

[bde19390903-52] "WPA Gives Sunset Park Face-Lifting". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. September 3, 1939. p. 4. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .

[Exterior_p._10-53] Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, p. 10.

[Gutman_p._555-54] Gutman, Marta (November 1, 2008). "Race, Place, and Play: Robert Moses and the WPA Swimming Pools in New York City". Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians. Vol. 67, no. 4. University of California Press. p. 555. doi:10.1525/jsah.2008.67.4.532. ISSN 0037-9808.

[56] "Mayor Opens Pool in Brooklyn Park; Turns on Under-water Lights in Sunset Swimming Center as 3,500 Look on". The New York Times. July 21, 1936. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.

[57] Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, p. 8.

[58] "Whole Western Section of Sunset Park on WPA List for Reconstruction". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. September 28, 1938. p. 29. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2019 – via Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com .

[Exterior_p._11-59] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Landmarks Preservation Commission 2007, p. 11.

[60] Carmody, Deirdre (March 15, 1981). "Parks Department to Start Hiring for First Time Since Fiscal Crisis". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.

[61] Landmarks Preservation Commission 2019, pp. 20–21.

[62] Davila, Albert (March 1, 1981). "Awaiting waterfront rebirth". New York Daily News. p. 282. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2019 – via newspapers.com .

[63] Carmody, Deirdre (June 25, 1982). "City to Start Repairing Three of Its Swimming Pools". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. ProQuest 121985503.

[64] "Sunset Park in the swim". New York Daily News. August 9, 1984. p. 110. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2019 – via newspapers.com .

[65] "Donation Will Keep 32 Public Pools Open". The New York Times. May 16, 1991. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.

[66] Marriott, Michel (July 7, 1993). "A Menacing Ritual Is Called Common in New York Pools". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved January 18, 2021.

[67] Terrazzano, Lauren (July 11, 1994). "Deep at City Pool; Sex harass is pervasive". New York Daily News. pp. 7, 20 – via newspapers.com .

[68] Dunlap, David W. (July 25, 2007). "McCarren Pool in Brooklyn Is Now a Landmark". City Room. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.

[69] Brozan, Nadine (July 30, 1990). "A Crumbling Pool Divides a Neighborhood". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on January 10, 2021. Retrieved January 11, 2021.

[70] "Sunset Park Playground Reconstruction". New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.

[71] Zagare, Liena (August 11, 2017). "Sunset Park Playground Is Open". Bklyner. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved March 26, 2021.

[72] Wong, Pamela (May 10, 2017). "Sunset Park Recreation Center Gets Approval For Much-Needed Renovations". Bklyner. Archived from the original on August 22, 2019. Retrieved March 26, 2021.

[Rosoff_2023_s286-73] Rosoff, Henry (August 5, 2023). "NYC using Brooklyn parks as migrant housing". PIX11. Retrieved August 7, 2023.

[Brooklyn_Eagle_2023_z596-74] "Asylum seekers coming to McCarren Park's recreation center". Brooklyn Eagle. August 4, 2023. Retrieved August 7, 2023.

[Rozner_2023_u531-75] Rozner, Lisa (August 6, 2023). "Residents protest asylum seeker shelter at Sunset Park Recreation Center". CBS New York. Retrieved September 28, 2023.

[Ostadan_2023_y697-76] Ostadan, Bahar (August 6, 2023). "New migrant respite center in Sunset Park draws opposition from first-generation immigrants". Gothamist. Retrieved September 28, 2023.

[77] Heisler, Todd; Newman, Andy; Vilchis, Raúl; Bensimon, Olivia (September 28, 2023). "Where the Migrants Who Came to New York Are Living Now". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 28, 2023.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[a]

[18]

[19]

[20]

[21]

[22]

[23]

[24]

[25]

[26]

[27]

[28]

[29]

[30]

[31]

[32]

[33]

[34]

[35]

[36]

[37]

[38]

[39]

[40]

[41]

[42]

[43]

[44]

[45]

[46]

[47]

[48]

[49]

[50]

[51]

[52]

[53]

[b]

[54]

[55]

[56]

[57]

[58]

[59]

[60]

[61]

[62]

[63]

[64]

[65]

[66]

[67]

[68]

[69]

[70]

[71]

[72]

[73]

[74]

[75]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{short description|Public park in Brooklyn, New York}}
+{{For|the neighborhood for which the park is named|Sunset Park, Brooklyn}}
-{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2019}}
+{{good article}}
-{{use American English|date=September 2019}}
+{{Use American English|date=June 2023}}
+{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
 {{Infobox park
-|name=Sunset Park
+| name                    = Sunset Park
-|image=Sunset Play Center ext jeh crop.jpg
+| image                   = Sunset Play Center ext jeh crop.jpg
-|image_size=300px
+| image_size              = 300px
-|image_alt=
+| image_alt               =
-|image_caption=Exterior of the Sunset Play Center
+| image_caption           = Exterior of the Sunset Play Center
+| map                     =
-|map=
-|map_width=
+| map_width               =
-|type=
+| type                    =
-|location=[[Sunset Park, Brooklyn|Sunset Park]], [[Brooklyn]], [[New York (state)|New York]]
+| location                = [[Sunset Park, Brooklyn|Sunset Park]], [[Brooklyn]], [[New York (state)|New York]]
-|nearest_city=[[New York City]]
+| nearest_city            = [[New York City]]
+|coordinates              = {{Coord|40.6481|-74.0036|type:landmark_region:US-NY|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
-|map_image = {{Maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=300|frame-height=300|zoom=11|frame-lat=40.647974|frame-long=-74.003827|type=point|coord={{coord|40.6481|-74.0036}}|title=Sunset Park}}
+| area                    = {{convert|24.5|acre}}
-|coordinates={{Coord|40.6481|-74.0036|type:landmark_region:US-NY|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
+| created                 = 1891
-|area={{convert|24.5|acre}}
+| operator                = [[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]]
-|created=1891
+| visitation_num          =
-|operator=[[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]]
+| status                  = open
-|visitation_num=
+| designation             =
-|status=open
+| open                    = 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
-|designation=
+| embedded                = {{Infobox historic site
-|open=7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
+| embed                   = yes
+| designation1            = NYCL
+| designation1_date       = July 24, 2007<ref name="NYCL p. 1">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|ps=.|p=1}}</ref>
+| designation1_number     = 2242<ref name="NYCL p. 1" />
+| designation1_free1name  = Designated entity
+| designation1_free1value = Bathhouse facade and pool
+| designation2            = NYCL
+| designation2_date       = July 24, 2007<ref name="NYCL (Interior) p. 1">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior|2007|ps=.|p=1}}</ref>
+| designation2_number     = 2243<ref name="NYCL (Interior) p. 1" />
+| designation2_free1name  = Designated entity
+| designation2_free1value = Bathhouse interior
+}}
 }}
-'''Sunset Park''' is a {{Convert|24.5|acre|adj=on}} public park in the neighborhood of [[Sunset Park, Brooklyn|Sunset Park]], [[Brooklyn]], [[New York City]], between 41st and 44th Streets and 5th and 7th Avenues. The modern-day park contains a playground, recreation center, and pool.<ref name="NYC Parks Sunset Park">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/sunset-park|title=Sunset Park : NYC Parks|website=www.nycgovparks.org|access-date=2019-06-11}}</ref> The recreation center and pool comprise the '''Sunset Play Center''', which was designated as both an exterior and interior landmark by the [[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]]. The park is operated by the [[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]], also known as NYC Parks.
+'''Sunset Park''' is a {{Convert|24.5|acre|adj=on}} public park in the neighborhood of [[Sunset Park, Brooklyn|Sunset Park]], [[Brooklyn]], [[New York City]], between 41st and 44th Streets and 5th and 7th Avenues. The modern-day park contains a [[playground]], recreation center, and pool. The recreation center and pool comprise the '''Sunset Play Center''', which was designated as both an exterior and interior landmark by the [[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]]. The park is operated by the [[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]], also known as NYC Parks.
-The land for the park was acquired in 1891 through 1905. The park initially contained a pond, golf course, rustic shelter, and carousel. These features were removed in 1935–1936 when the current [[Neoclassical architecture|neoclassical]]/[[Art Deco]] style pool was built by [[Aymar Embury II]] during a [[Works Progress Administration]] project. The swimming pool and play center were renovated from 1983 to 1984.
+The land for the park was acquired from 1891 to 1905. The park initially contained a pond, golf course, rustic shelter, and carousel. These features were removed in 1935–1936 when the current [[Neoclassical architecture|neoclassical]]/[[Art Deco]] style pool was built by [[Aymar Embury II]] during a [[Works Progress Administration]] project. The swimming pool and play center were renovated from 1983 to 1984.
 ==Description==
-Sunset Park is between Fifth Avenue to the west, Seventh Avenue to the east, 41st Street to the north, and 44th Street to the south,<ref name="NYC Parks Sunset Park" /> atop a {{Convert|164|ft|m|-tall|abbr=|adj=mid}} hill that is part of the [[Harbor Hill Moraine]], a [[terminal moraine]] formed during the [[last glacial period]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.archives.nyc/blog/2016/12/23/sunset-park-a-view-from-the-ridge-1|title=Sunset Park: A View From The Ridge|website=NYC Department of Records & Information Services|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-09}}</ref> The park's elevated location offers views of [[New York Harbor]]; [[Manhattan]]; the [[Statue of Liberty]]; and, more distantly, the hills of [[Staten Island]] and the [[U.S. state]] of [[New Jersey]].<ref name="NYC Parks Sunset Park" /><ref>{{cite fednyc|page=468}}</ref> Initially, Sunset Park contained a pond within its borders. According to Sergey Kadinsky, author of the book ''Hidden Waters of New York City'', the pond was likely artificial since it did not appear on any maps prior to the park's creation. The pond was destroyed in 1935 with the construction of the current swimming pool.<ref>{{Cite Hidden Waters NYC|page=240}}</ref> The Sunset Park Memorial Grove was planted in 2002 to commemorate victims of the [[September 11 attacks]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/sunset-park/dailyplant/15287|date=December 4, 2002|title=Brooklyn Celebrates Life With the Planting of the City's First Memorial Grove|publisher=[[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]]|access-date=2019-08-09}}</ref>
+Sunset Park is between Fifth Avenue to the west, Seventh Avenue to the east, 41st Street to the north, and 44th Street to the south,<ref name="NYC Parks Sunset Park">{{Cite web|title=Sunset Park : NYC Parks|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/sunset-park|access-date=2019-06-11|website=www.nycgovparks.org|archive-date=August 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813000248/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/sunset-park|url-status=live}}</ref> atop a {{Convert|164|ft|m|-tall|abbr=|adj=mid}} hill that is part of the [[Harbor Hill Moraine]], a [[terminal moraine]] formed during the [[Last Glacial Period]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.archives.nyc/blog/2016/12/23/sunset-park-a-view-from-the-ridge-1|title=Sunset Park: A View From The Ridge|website=NYC Department of Records & Information Services|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-09|archive-date=August 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817111506/http://www.archives.nyc/blog/2016/12/23/sunset-park-a-view-from-the-ridge-1|url-status=live}}</ref> The park's elevated location offers views of [[New York Harbor]], [[Manhattan]], the [[Statue of Liberty]], and more distantly the hills of [[Staten Island]] and the [[U.S. state]] of [[New Jersey]].<ref name="NYC Parks Sunset Park" /><ref>{{cite fednyc|page=468}}</ref> Initially, Sunset Park contained a pond within its borders. According to Sergey Kadinsky, author of the book ''Hidden Waters of New York City'', the pond was likely artificial since it did not appear on any maps prior to the park's creation. The pond was destroyed in 1935 with the construction of the current swimming pool.<ref>{{Cite Hidden Waters NYC|page=240}}</ref> The Sunset Park Memorial Grove was planted in 2002 to commemorate victims of the [[September 11 attacks]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/sunset-park/dailyplant/15287|date=December 4, 2002|title=Brooklyn Celebrates Life With the Planting of the City's First Memorial Grove|publisher=[[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]]|access-date=2019-08-09|archive-date=August 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809035321/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/sunset-park/dailyplant/15287|url-status=live}}</ref>
 === Recreation fields ===
-Sunset Park contains numerous sporting fields. Within the namesake recreation center, there is an indoor [[basketball court]], seven [[table tennis]] tables, a gymnasium and a [[billiard table]].<ref name="NYC Parks Sunset Rec">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters/B087|title=Sunset Park Recreation Center : NYC Parks|website=www.nycgovparks.org|access-date=2019-08-09}}</ref> Outdoors, there are four basketball courts, two [[handball]] courts, two [[Football pitch|soccer fields]], and a [[baseball field]] overlapping with one of the soccer fields.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/permits/field-and-court/issued/B087|title=Field and Court Usage Report for Sunset Park : NYC Parks|website=www.nycgovparks.org|access-date=2019-08-09}}</ref> There is also a [[playground]] at Sixth Avenue.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/sunset-park/facilities/playgrounds|title=Sunset Park Playgrounds : NYC Parks|website=www.nycgovparks.org|access-date=2019-08-09}}</ref> The outdoor fields are free for use by the general public,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/19/arts/how-to-find-hassle-free-playing-fields-with-priceless-views.html|title=How to Find Hassle-Free Playing Fields With Priceless Views|last=Wolfe|first=Jonathan|date=2015-06-18|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-09|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> but some indoor activities require a membership.<ref name="NYC Parks Sunset Rec" />
+Sunset Park contains numerous sporting fields. Within the namesake recreation center, there is an indoor [[basketball court]], seven [[table tennis]] tables, a gymnasium and a [[billiard table]].<ref name="NYC Parks Sunset Rec">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters/B087|title=Sunset Park Recreation Center : NYC Parks|website=www.nycgovparks.org|access-date=2019-08-09|archive-date=August 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809191149/https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters/B087|url-status=live}}</ref> Outdoors, there are four basketball courts, two [[handball]] courts, two [[Football pitch|soccer fields]], and a [[baseball field]] overlapping with one of the soccer fields.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/permits/field-and-court/issued/B087|title=Field and Court Usage Report for Sunset Park : NYC Parks|website=www.nycgovparks.org|access-date=2019-08-09|archive-date=August 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809191150/https://www.nycgovparks.org/permits/field-and-court/issued/B087|url-status=live}}</ref> There is also a [[playground]] at Sixth Avenue.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/sunset-park/facilities/playgrounds|title=Sunset Park Playgrounds : NYC Parks|website=www.nycgovparks.org|access-date=2019-08-09|archive-date=August 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809035348/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/sunset-park/facilities/playgrounds|url-status=live}}</ref> The outdoor fields are free for use by the general public,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/19/arts/how-to-find-hassle-free-playing-fields-with-priceless-views.html|title=How to Find Hassle-Free Playing Fields With Priceless Views|last=Wolfe|first=Jonathan|date=2015-06-18|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-09|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809191151/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/19/arts/how-to-find-hassle-free-playing-fields-with-priceless-views.html|url-status=live}}</ref> but some indoor activities require a membership.<ref name="NYC Parks Sunset Rec" />
 === Sunset Play Center ===
-==== Pool ====
-Sunset Park contains an enclosed elliptical pool area that is aligned north-south.<ref name="Exterior p. 132">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|ps=.|p=13}}</ref> The main [[swimming pool]] is rectangular and measures {{Convert|256|by|165|ft}},<ref name="Exterior p. 14"/>{{efn|Dimensions of the main pool are alternatively given as {{convert|259|by|162|ft}}.<ref name=nydn19990630/>}} with a depth of {{convert|3.5|ft}}.<ref name=nydn19990630>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67847266/|title=Taking the plunge|first=Lisa|last=Rein|date=1999-06-30|work=New York Daily News|access-date=2021-01-17|page=164|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> There were also two semicircular {{Convert|165|ft|m|-diameter|abbr=|adj=mid}} pools for wading and diving, one on either end of the main pool, though these are no longer in use.<ref name="Exterior p. 14">{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|p=14}}</ref> The deck surrounding all three pools is made of cement. The western part of the deck contains concrete bleachers with seven rows, underneath which is the filter house. A brick wall is behind the bleachers, and is adjacent to the handball courts to the west. A pump house is to the north of the bleachers.<ref name="Exterior p. 132" /> A former comfort station (now used as storage space) is to the south, with separate entrances for boys and girls on the north facade, but these have been bricked up.<ref name="Exterior p. 14" />
-The diving pool was to the south of the main rectangular pool, but has been filled in for use as a volleyball court. The wading pool, to the north of the main pool, still exists but has been drained, and spray fountains have been installed. Both pools are surrounded by a metal fence on their curved side, which contain Flemish-bond brick piers. A brick wall separates the wading pool from the main pool. Steps run along the curved side of the wading pool, and there is a concrete ramp leading to the wading pool area.<ref name="Exterior p. 14" />
 ==== Bathhouse ====
 [[File:Sunset_Play_Center_int_jeh.jpg|thumb|Interior of the Sunset Play Center's bathhouse]]
-The Sunset Play Center's bathhouse is on the eastern side of Sunset Park. The building contains a facade of [[brick]] in [[Flemish bond]], and consists of a {{frac|1|1|2}}-story [[Rotunda (architecture)|rotunda]] with one-story wings to the north and south, giving it a rough I-shape.<ref>{{Cite landmarks|page=619}}</ref><ref name="Exterior p. 12">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|ps=.|p=12}}</ref> The main entrance to the bath house, the eastern facade at Seventh Avenue, is approached by a short granite stairway, though there is also a handicap-accessible ramp to the south of the steps. It leads directly to the rotunda. A back entrance, from the west, leads directly to the swimming pool. The top of the building facade is wrapped with a motif composed of cast stone and brick chevrons, set in a pattern of diamonds and triangles.<ref name="Exterior p. 12" /> The interior of the rotunda contains a similar motif along the top of the wall.<ref name="Interior p. 11">{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior|2007|p=11}}</ref>
+The Sunset Play Center's bathhouse is on the eastern side of Sunset Park. The building contains a [[facade]] of [[brick]] in [[Flemish bond]], and consists of a {{frac|1|1|2}}-story [[Rotunda (architecture)|rotunda]] with one-story wings to the north and south, giving it a rough I-shape.<ref>{{Cite landmarks|page=619}}</ref><ref name="Exterior p. 12">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|ps=.|p=12}}</ref> The main entrance to the bath house, the eastern facade at Seventh Avenue, is approached by a short [[granite]] stairway, though there is also a handicap-accessible ramp to the south of the steps. It leads directly to the rotunda. A back entrance, from the west, leads directly to the swimming pool. The top of the building facade is wrapped with a motif composed of cast stone and brick chevrons, set in a pattern of diamonds and triangles.<ref name="Exterior p. 12" /> The interior of the rotunda contains a similar motif along the top of the wall.<ref name="Interior p. 11">{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior|2007|p=11}}</ref>
-The rotunda is a cylindrical brick structure. Seen from its eastern facade, the rotunda is between and set behind two [[Pier (architecture)|piers]] made of Flemish bond brick, each of which contain a flagpole and tile panel. The words {{Smallcaps|sunset play center}} are inscribed in a granite tablet above the main (eastern) entrance; the entrance itself consists of a set of metal doors. The western entrance, facing the pool, is nearly identical but does not contain flagpoles, and a large NYC Parks logo is hung above that entrance's metal doors.<ref name="Exterior p. 12" /> Inside the building, the wall is mostly made of Flemish bond brick with a granite base. The lobby is inside the rotunda and is composed of three parts: the foyer leading east to the entrance, the central cylinder, and the foyer leading west to the pool. The foyers are one story high while the center cylinder is one and a half stories. The curved outer wall is topped by a [[lintel]] made of concrete. Light fixtures hang from the white-plaster ceiling. At the [[clerestory]] level, near the top of the lobby, there are 16 small windows. The floor is made of dark blue and terracotta tiling, and contains several drains.<ref name="Interior p. 11" />
+The rotunda is a cylindrical brick structure. Seen from its eastern facade, the rotunda is between and set behind two [[Pier (architecture)|piers]] made of Flemish bond brick, each of which contain a flagpole and tile panel. The words {{Smallcaps|sunset play center}} are inscribed in a granite tablet above the main (eastern) entrance; the entrance itself consists of a set of metal doors. The western entrance, facing the pool, is nearly identical but does not contain flagpoles, and a large NYC Parks logo is hung above that entrance's metal doors.<ref name="Exterior p. 12" /> Inside the building, the wall is mostly made of Flemish bond brick with a granite base. The lobby is inside the rotunda and is composed of three parts: the foyer leading east to the entrance, the central cylinder, and the foyer leading west to the pool. The foyers are one story high while the center cylinder is one and a half stories. The curved outer wall is topped by a [[lintel]] made of concrete. Light fixtures hang from the white-plaster ceiling. At the [[clerestory]] level, near the top of the lobby, there are 16 small windows. The floor is made of dark blue and [[Architectural terracotta|terracotta]] tiling and contains several drains.<ref name="Interior p. 11" />
-The north and south wings of the bathhouse are nearly identical in design, except that the northern wing is on a downward slope and contains a basement garage. The eastern facades each contain seven steel windows with metal screens and stone sills. There are five windows of similar style at the end of each wing. Both the north and south wings are connected to brick retaining walls that enclose the pool area to the west.<ref name="Exterior p. 12" /><ref name="Interior p. 12" /> The men's locker room is to the south of the rotunda while the women's locker room is to the north.<ref name="Interior p. 12">{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior|2007|p=12}}</ref>
+The north and south wings of the bathhouse are nearly identical in design, except that the northern wing is on a downward slope and contains a basement garage. The eastern facades each contain seven steel windows with metal screens and stone sills. There are five windows of similar style at the end of each wing. Both the north and south wings are connected to brick retaining walls that enclose the pool area to the west.<ref name="Exterior p. 12" /><ref name="Interior p. 12" /> The men's [[locker room]] is to the south of the rotunda while the women's locker room is to the north.<ref name="Interior p. 12">{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior|2007|p=12}}</ref>
+==== Pool ====
+West of the bathhouse, Sunset Park contains an enclosed elliptical pool area that is aligned north-south.<ref name="Exterior p. 132">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|ps=.|p=13}}</ref> The main swimming pool is rectangular and measures {{Convert|256|by|165|ft}},<ref name="Exterior p. 14"/>{{efn|Dimensions of the main pool are alternatively given as {{convert|259|by|162|ft}}.<ref name=nydn19990630/>}} with a depth of {{convert|3.5|ft}}.<ref name=nydn19990630>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67847266/|title=Taking the plunge|first=Lisa|last=Rein|date=1999-06-30|work=New York Daily News|access-date=2021-01-17|page=164|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}|archive-date=May 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509134450/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67847266/taking-the-plunge/|url-status=live}}</ref> There were also two semicircular {{Convert|165|ft|m|-diameter|abbr=|adj=mid}} pools for wading and diving, one on either end of the main pool, though these are no longer in use.<ref name="Exterior p. 14">{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|p=14}}</ref> The deck surrounding all three pools is made of cement. The western part of the deck contains concrete bleachers with seven rows, underneath which is the filter house. A brick wall is behind the bleachers, and is adjacent to the handball courts to the west. A pump house is to the north of the bleachers.<ref name="Exterior p. 132" /> A former "comfort station" or restroom (now used as storage space) is to the south, with separate entrances for boys and girls on the north facade, but these have been bricked up.<ref name="Exterior p. 14" />
+The diving pool was to the south of the main rectangular pool, but has been filled in for use as a volleyball court. The wading pool, to the north of the main pool, still exists but has been drained, and spray fountains have been installed. Both pools are surrounded by a metal fence on their curved side, which contain Flemish-bond brick piers. A brick wall separates the wading pool from the main pool. Steps run along the curved side of the wading pool, and there is a concrete ramp leading to the wading pool area.<ref name="Exterior p. 14" />
 ==History==
 === Early history ===
-[[File:AmongTheSunsetPArk.JPG|thumb|Looking northwest from Sunset Park]]
+[[File:Sunset Park (16471p).jpg|thumb|300px|Looking northwest from Sunset Park, with Manhattan in the background]]
 Sunset Park originally consisted of four blocks of land, from Fifth to Seventh Avenues between 41st and 43rd Streets. The city of Brooklyn acquired the land on May 15, 1891, as part of its plan to build several parks citywide, including Winthrop, Bedford and Bushwick parks.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2019|p=12}}</ref><ref name="Exterior p. 3">{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|p=3}}</ref><ref name="bde18920707">{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/28343463/|title=Brooklyn's New Parks|date=July 7, 1892|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=August 8, 2019|page=5|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> The previous landowner was Patrick H. Flynn, a contractor who, according to the ''[[Brooklyn Eagle|Brooklyn Daily Eagle]]'', "sold the park department the site for the proposed Sunset Park in the Eighth Ward without consulting the owners. Then he went around and bought up the property at a low figure and is said to have made a good thing out of it."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/34693875/|title=A Finger in Many Pies|date=February 21, 1892|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=August 8, 2019|page=2|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> The ''Eagle'' itself praised the site as having "one of the finest views in the city".<ref name="bde18920707" /> A ''[[The New York Times|New York Times]]'' reporter, writing in 1894, praised the "magnificent views of earth and sky and water" that could be experienced from the high point of Sunset Park, some {{Convert|200|ft||abbr=}} above sea level.<ref name="nyt18940805" />
-Sunset Park became a popular gathering place for residents of the area (then considered part of [[Bay Ridge, Brooklyn|Bay Ridge]] and [[South Brooklyn]]),<ref name="nyt18940805">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1894/08/05/archives/brooklyns-sunset-park-where-magnificent-views-of-earth-and-sea-may.html|title=Brooklyn's Sunset Park; Where Magnificent Views of Earth and Sea May Be Had|date=1894-08-05|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-08|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and its initial users were mostly [[Polish Americans|Polish]] and [[Scandinavian Americans|Scandinavian]] immigrants who had arrived within the last two decades.<ref name="Exterior p. 3" /> However, development of the park was precluded by its irregular topography.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1893/10/22/archives/just-one-of-the-scandals-outrageous-price-paid-for-alderman-coffeys.html|title=Just One of the Scandals; Outrageous Price Paid for Alderman Coffey's Park|date=1893-10-22|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-07|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> By 1893, the city of Brooklyn decided to expand Sunset Park southward.<ref name="NYCL (2019) p. 13">{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2019|p=13}}</ref> A ''Times'' article that year observed that the park lacked amenities and was situated on high bluffs that could only be reached by 60-foot ladders.<ref name="nyt18940805" /> Furthermore, the article stated that it would cost at least $500,000 to improve the park.<ref name="nyt18940805" /> In 1899, the city of New York constructed a six-hole [[golf course]] in Sunset Park, and started some other improvements such as installing retaining walls.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://home2.nyc.gov/html/records/pdf/govpub/4490annual_report_nyc_dept_parks_1899.pdf|title=1899 New York City Department of Public Parks Annual Report|date=1899|website=[[Government of New York City|nyc.gov]]|publisher=[[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]]|page=76 (PDF p. 77)|access-date=August 9, 2019}}</ref><ref name="NYC Parks" /> Even so, the ''Eagle'' observed that the park was still lacking basic amenities such as [[Bench (furniture)|benches]] or [[drinking fountain]]s.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/34701276/|title=Brooklyn's New Parks|date=July 17, 1899|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=August 8, 2019|page=14|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> The park was expanded southward to 44th Street in 1904.<ref name="NYCL (2019) p. 13"/>  Other features added in the first decade of the 20th century included a new landscaping, a pond, a [[Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassical]] rustic shelter, and a [[carousel]].<ref name="NYC Parks">{{cite web | title=Sunset Park Highlights | website=Sunset Park and Pool : NYC Parks | date=June 26, 1939 | url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/sunset-park/highlights/166 | access-date=August 13, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/10682297/|title=Small Parks Get Attention|date=October 19, 1902|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=August 8, 2019|page=9|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> Concerts started being held by 1906, and a grand staircase to Fifth Avenue was completed by 1910.<ref name="NYCL (2019) p. 13"/>
+Sunset Park became a popular gathering place for residents of the area (then considered part of [[Bay Ridge, Brooklyn|Bay Ridge]] and [[South Brooklyn]]),<ref name="nyt18940805">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1894/08/05/archives/brooklyns-sunset-park-where-magnificent-views-of-earth-and-sea-may.html|title=Brooklyn's Sunset Park; Where Magnificent Views of Earth and Sea May Be Had|date=1894-08-05|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-08|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807144642/https://www.nytimes.com/1894/08/05/archives/brooklyns-sunset-park-where-magnificent-views-of-earth-and-sea-may.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and its initial users were mostly [[Polish Americans|Polish]] and [[Scandinavian Americans|Scandinavian]] immigrants who had arrived within the last two decades.<ref name="Exterior p. 3" /> However, development of the park was precluded by its irregular topography.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1893/10/22/archives/just-one-of-the-scandals-outrageous-price-paid-for-alderman-coffeys.html|title=Just One of the Scandals; Outrageous Price Paid for Alderman Coffey's Park|date=1893-10-22|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-07|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807144645/https://www.nytimes.com/1893/10/22/archives/just-one-of-the-scandals-outrageous-price-paid-for-alderman-coffeys.html|url-status=live}}</ref> By 1893, the city of Brooklyn decided to expand Sunset Park southward.<ref name="NYCL (2019) p. 13">{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2019|p=13}}</ref> A ''New York Times'' article that year observed that the park lacked amenities and was situated on high bluffs that could only be reached by {{Convert|60|ft|adj=on}} ladders.<ref name="nyt18940805" /> Furthermore, the article stated that it would cost at least $500,000 to improve the park.<ref name="nyt18940805" /> In 1899, the city of New York constructed a six-hole [[golf course]] in Sunset Park, and started some other improvements such as installing retaining walls.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://home2.nyc.gov/html/records/pdf/govpub/4490annual_report_nyc_dept_parks_1899.pdf|title=1899 New York City Department of Public Parks Annual Report|date=1899|website=[[Government of New York City|nyc.gov]]|publisher=[[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]]|page=76 (PDF p. 77)|access-date=August 9, 2019|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211051610/http://home2.nyc.gov/html/records/pdf/govpub/4490annual_report_nyc_dept_parks_1899.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NYC Parks" /> Even so, the ''Eagle'' observed that the park was still lacking basic amenities such as [[Bench (furniture)|benches]] or [[drinking fountain]]s.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/34701276/|title=Brooklyn's New Parks|date=July 17, 1899|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=August 8, 2019|page=14|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}|archive-date=May 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511141642/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/34701276/money-for-brooklyn-parks/|url-status=live}}</ref> The park was expanded southward to 44th Street in 1904.<ref name="NYCL (2019) p. 13"/>  Other features added in the first decade of the 20th century included a new landscaping, a pond, a [[Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassical]] rustic shelter, and a [[carousel]].<ref name="NYC Parks">{{cite web | title=Sunset Park Highlights | website=Sunset Park and Pool : NYC Parks | date=June 26, 1939 | url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/sunset-park/highlights/166 | access-date=August 13, 2019 | archive-date=August 9, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809035358/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/sunset-park/highlights/166 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/10682297/|title=Small Parks Get Attention|date=October 19, 1902|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=August 8, 2019|page=9|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}|archive-date=May 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511141820/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/10682297/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/|url-status=live}}</ref> Concerts started being held by 1906, and a grand staircase to Fifth Avenue was completed by 1910.<ref name="NYCL (2019) p. 13"/>
-The [[Sunset Park, Brooklyn|surrounding neighborhood]], south of [[Green-Wood Cemetery]] and east of [[Fourth Avenue (Brooklyn)|Fourth Avenue]], was mostly undeveloped at the time.<ref name="Exterior p. 3" /> After the [[Fifth Avenue Line (Brooklyn elevated)|Fifth Avenue elevated line]] was extended south from [[36th Street station (BMT Fifth Avenue Line)|36th Street]] to [[65th Street (BMT Fifth Avenue Line)|65th Street]] on October 1, 1893,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/50363052/|title=Trial Trip on the Sea Side|date=September 30, 1893|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|page=10|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/50363055/|title=Through Trains To-day|date=October 1, 1893|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|page=1|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> development came rapidly.<ref name="Exterior p. 3" /> Residential construction boomed in the late 19th and early 20th century amid real estate speculation initiated by the construction of the park and the Fifth Avenue elevated line,<ref>{{cite brookneighb}}, pp. 200–205</ref> and by 1909, there was significant development surrounding the park.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/34672642/|title=On Sunset Park Slope|date=April 4, 1909|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=August 8, 2019|page=48|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> With the news that the [[New York City Subway]]'s [[BMT Fourth Avenue Line|Fourth Avenue Line]] would constructed in the area, two-story houses were constructed on the south side of Sunset Park.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2019|p=15}}</ref> Two-story houses were the most common housing stock in this part of South Brooklyn at the time; the ''Eagle'' said that two-family houses were "particularly attractive to people who desire comparatively small apartments, but who object to living in flats, and they appeal to this class on account of their being more quiet, and possibly, more exclusive."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/34672432/|title=Realty Market in a More Hopeful Condition|date=September 21, 1901|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=August 8, 2019|page=15|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> The Fourth Avenue subway opened to [[59th Street (BMT Fourth Avenue Line)|59th Street]] in 1915,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1915/06/23/100163384.pdf|title=Queensboro Tunnel Officially Opened; Subway, Started Twenty-three Years Ago, Links Grand Central and Long Island City|date=June 23, 1915|work=The New York Times|access-date=May 4, 2017|language=en}}</ref> further spurring the growth of the surrounding neighborhood as a low-rise middle-class area,<ref name="Exterior p. 3" /> and in particular the [[Finnish Americans|Finnish]] enclave directly south of the park.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/34680006/|title=Ever Hear of Little Finland in America? It's Right Here in Brooklyn, Called 'Finntown'|date=May 29, 1932|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=August 8, 2019|page=7|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref>
+The [[Sunset Park, Brooklyn|surrounding neighborhood]], south of [[Green-Wood Cemetery]] and east of [[Fourth Avenue (Brooklyn)|Fourth Avenue]], was mostly undeveloped at the time.<ref name="Exterior p. 3" /> After the [[Fifth Avenue Line (Brooklyn elevated)|Fifth Avenue elevated line]] was extended south from [[36th Street station (BMT Fifth Avenue Line)|36th Street]] to [[65th Street (BMT Fifth Avenue Line)|65th Street]] on October 1, 1893,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/50363052/|title=Trial Trip on the Sea Side|date=September 30, 1893|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|page=10|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}|access-date=August 12, 2019|archive-date=August 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801190736/http://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/50363052/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/50363055/|title=Through Trains To-day|date=October 1, 1893|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|page=1|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}|access-date=August 12, 2019|archive-date=August 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801190745/http://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/50363055/|url-status=live}}</ref> development came rapidly.<ref name="Exterior p. 3" /> Residential construction boomed in the late 19th and early 20th century amid real estate speculation initiated by the construction of the park and the Fifth Avenue elevated line<ref>{{cite brookneighb|pages=200–205}}</ref> and, by 1909, there was significant development surrounding the park.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/34672642/|title=On Sunset Park Slope|date=April 4, 1909|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=August 8, 2019|page=48|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}|archive-date=May 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511141643/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/34672642/on-sunset-park-slope/|url-status=live}}</ref> With the news that the [[New York City Subway]]'s [[BMT Fourth Avenue Line|Fourth Avenue Line]] would constructed in the area, two-story houses were constructed on the south side of Sunset Park.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2019|p=15}}</ref> Two-story houses were the most common housing stock in this part of South Brooklyn at the time; the ''Eagle'' said that two-family houses were "particularly attractive to people who desire comparatively small apartments, but who object to living in flats, and they appeal to this class on account of their being more quiet, and possibly, more exclusive."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/34672432/|title=Realty Market in a More Hopeful Condition|date=September 21, 1901|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=August 8, 2019|page=15|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> The Fourth Avenue subway opened to [[59th Street (BMT Fourth Avenue Line)|59th Street]] in 1915,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1915/06/23/100163384.pdf|title=Queensboro Tunnel Officially Opened; Subway, Started Twenty-three Years Ago, Links Grand Central and Long Island City|date=June 23, 1915|work=The New York Times|access-date=May 4, 2017|language=en|archive-date=December 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222050526/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1915/06/23/100163384.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> further spurring the growth of the surrounding neighborhood as a low-rise middle-class area,<ref name="Exterior p. 3" /> and in particular the [[Finnish Americans|Finnish]] enclave directly south of the park.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/34680006/|title=Ever Hear of Little Finland in America? It's Right Here in Brooklyn, Called 'Finntown'|date=May 29, 1932|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=August 8, 2019|page=7|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}|archive-date=May 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511141644/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/34680006/ever-hear-of-little-finland-in-america/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 === Works Progress Administration renovation ===
 [[File:SunsetPark.jpg|thumb|Looking north toward Manhattan]]
-In 1934, [[Robert Moses]] was nominated by mayor [[Fiorello H. La Guardia]] to become commissioner of a unified [[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]]. At the time, the United States was experiencing the [[Great Depression]], and immediately after La Guardia won the 1934 election, Moses began to write "a plan for putting 80,000 men to work on 1,700 relief projects".<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|pp=4&ndash;5}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Rodgers|1952|p=82}}</ref> By the time he was in office, several hundred projects were underway across the city.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Rodgers|1952|p=84}}</ref>
+In 1934, mayor [[Fiorello H. La Guardia]] nominated [[Robert Moses]] to become commissioner of a unified [[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]]. At the time, the United States was experiencing the [[Great Depression]]; immediately after La Guardia won the [[1933 New York City mayoral election|1933 election]], Moses began to write "a plan for putting 80,000 men to work on 1,700 relief projects".<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|pp=4&ndash;5}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Rodgers|1952|p=82}}</ref> By the time he was in office, several hundred such projects were underway across the city.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Rodgers|1952|p=84}}</ref>
-Moses was especially interested in creating new pools and other bathing facilities, such as those in [[Jacob Riis Park]], [[Jones Beach State Park|Jones Beach]], and [[Orchard Beach (Bronx)|Orchard Beach]].<ref name="Caro456">{{Cite Power Broker|page=456}}</ref><ref name=NY1930>{{cite NY1930|page=717}}</ref> He devised a list of 23 pools around the city, including one at Sunset Park.<ref>{{Cite news|date=July 23, 1934|title=23 Bathing Pools Planned by Moses; Nine to Be Begun in a Month to Meet Shortage of Facilities Caused by Pollution|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/07/23/archives/23-bathing-pools-planned-by-moses-nine-to-be-begun-in-a-month-to.html|access-date=August 9, 2019|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release|title=Public Swimming Facilities in New York City.|date=1934-07-23|publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|access-date=2021-01-06|page=3 (PDF p. 30)|url=http://nyc.gov/html/records/pdf/govpub/41861934_press_releases_part1.pdf}}</ref> The pools would be built using funds from the [[Works Progress Administration]] (WPA), a federal agency created to combat the Depression's negative effects as part of the [[New Deal]].<ref name="Caro456" /><ref name="nydn19340723">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35042789/|title=City to Construct 9 Pools To Provide Safe Swimming|date=July 23, 1934|work=New York Daily News|access-date=August 18, 2019|page=8|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> Eleven of these pools were to be designed concurrently and open in 1936. Moses,  along with architects [[Aymar Embury II]] and [[Gilmore David Clarke]], created a common design for each of the 11 proposed aquatic centers. Each location was to have distinct pools for diving, swimming, and wading; bleachers and viewing areas; and bathhouses with locker rooms that could be used as gymnasiums. The pools were to have several common features, such as a minimum {{Convert|55|yd|m|abbr=|adj=on}} length, underwater lighting, heating, filtration, and low-cost construction materials. To fit the requirement for cheap materials, each building would be built using elements of the [[Streamline Moderne]] and [[Classical architecture|Classical]] architectural styles. The buildings would also be near "comfort stations", additional playgrounds, and spruced-up landscapes.<ref name="NYC Parks Pools History">{{cite web | title=History of Parks' Swimming Pools |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation| url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/history/pools | access-date=2021-01-15}}</ref><ref name="Exterior p. 7">{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|p=7}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Shattuck|first=Kathryn|date=2006-08-14|title=Big Chill of ’36: Show Celebrates Giant Depression-Era Pools That Cool New York|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/14/arts/design/big-chill-of-36-show-celebrates-giant-depressionera-pools-that.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-01-08|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
+Moses was especially interested in creating new pools and other bathing facilities, such as those in [[Jacob Riis Park]], [[Jones Beach State Park|Jones Beach]], and [[Orchard Beach (Bronx)|Orchard Beach]].<ref name="Caro456">{{Cite Power Broker|page=456}}</ref><ref name=NY1930>{{cite NY1930|page=717}}</ref> He devised a list of 23 pools around the city, including one at Sunset Park.<ref>{{Cite news|date=July 23, 1934|title=23 Bathing Pools Planned by Moses; Nine to Be Begun in a Month to Meet Shortage of Facilities Caused by Pollution|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url-access=subscription|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/07/23/archives/23-bathing-pools-planned-by-moses-nine-to-be-begun-in-a-month-to.html|access-date=August 9, 2019|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809035319/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/07/23/archives/23-bathing-pools-planned-by-moses-nine-to-be-begun-in-a-month-to.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release|title=Public Swimming Facilities in New York City.|date=1934-07-23|publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|access-date=2021-01-06|page=3 (PDF p. 30)|url=http://nyc.gov/html/records/pdf/govpub/41861934_press_releases_part1.pdf|archive-date=January 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108104839/http://nyc.gov/html/records/pdf/govpub/41861934_press_releases_part1.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The pools would be built using funds from the [[Works Progress Administration]] (WPA), a federal agency created as part of the [[New Deal]] to combat the Depression's negative effects.<ref name="Caro456" /><ref name="nydn19340723">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35042789/|title=City to Construct 9 Pools To Provide Safe Swimming|date=July 23, 1934|work=New York Daily News|access-date=August 18, 2019|page=8|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}|archive-date=May 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509134446/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35042789/city-to-construct-9-pools-to-provide/|url-status=live}}</ref> Eleven of these pools were to be designed concurrently and open in 1936. Moses,  along with architects [[Aymar Embury II]] and [[Gilmore David Clarke]], created a common design for each of the 11 proposed aquatic centers. Each location was to have distinct pools for diving, swimming, and wading; bleachers and viewing areas; and bathhouses with locker rooms that could be used as gymnasiums. The pools were to have several common features, such as a minimum {{Convert|55|yd|m|abbr=|adj=on}} length, underwater lighting, heating, filtration, and low-cost construction materials. To fit the requirement for cheap materials, each building would be built using elements of the [[Streamline Moderne]] and [[Classical architecture|Classical]] architectural styles. The buildings would also be near "comfort stations", additional playgrounds, and spruced-up landscapes.<ref name="NYC Parks Pools History">{{cite web | title=History of Parks' Swimming Pools | publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation | url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/history/pools | access-date=2021-01-15 | archive-date=January 17, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117002610/https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/history/pools | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Exterior p. 7">{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|p=7}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Shattuck|first=Kathryn|date=2006-08-14|title=Big Chill of '36: Show Celebrates Giant Depression-Era Pools That Cool New York|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url-access=limited|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/14/arts/design/big-chill-of-36-show-celebrates-giant-depressionera-pools-that.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-01-08|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=January 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110031731/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/14/arts/design/big-chill-of-36-show-celebrates-giant-depressionera-pools-that.html}}</ref>
-Construction for some of the 11 pools began in October 1934.<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=October 4, 1934|title=Park Work Is Begun on 2 Bathing Pools; Construction Under Way at High Bridge and Hamilton Fish -- 7 Others to Be Started Soon|language=en-US|page=48|work=The New York Times|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/10/04/93645601.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=January 13, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="Exterior p. 7" /> The pond, golf course, rustic shelter, and carousel were removed to make way for the new pool at Sunset Park, which would be on the park's eastern side.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/B087/map/Sunset_Brochure.pdf|title=Sunset Park Recreation Center|website=nycgovparks.org|access-date=June 11, 2019}}</ref> The blueprints for the Sunset Park pool were submitted to the [[New York City Department of Buildings]] in August 1935, by which point WPA workers were already working at the site.<ref name="Exterior p. 7" /> During construction, several Native American artifacts were found at the site of the old pond.<ref name="bde19390903">{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/3863313/|title=WPA Gives Sunset Park Face-Lifting|date=September 3, 1939|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=August 8, 2019|page=4|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> By mid-1936, ten of the eleven WPA funded pools were completed and were being opened at a pace of one per week.<ref name="Caro456" /> The Sunset Pool was the sixth of these pools to open.<ref name="Exterior p. 10"/><ref name="Gutman p. 555">{{cite journal|last=Gutman|first=Marta|date=November 1, 2008|title=Race, Place, and Play: Robert Moses and the WPA Swimming Pools in New York City|journal=Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians|publisher=University of California Press|volume=67|issue=4|page=555|doi=10.1525/jsah.2008.67.4.532|issn=0037-9808}}</ref>{{efn|The pools opened in the following chronological order: [[Hamilton Fish Park]], [[Thomas Jefferson Park]], [[Astoria Park]], [[Tompkinsville Pool]], [[Highbridge Park]], Sunset Park, [[Crotona Park]], [[McCarren Park]], [[Betsy Head Park]], [[Jackie Robinson Park|Colonial Park]], and [[Red Hook Park]].<ref name="NYC Parks Pools History"/><ref name="Gutman p. 555" />}} It opened on July 20, 1936, with a crowd of 3,500 spectators.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/21/archives/mayor-opens-pool-in-brooklyn-park-turns-on-underwater-lights-in.html|title=Mayor Opens Pool in Brooklyn Park; Turns on Under-water Lights in Sunset Swimming Center as 3,500 Look on|date=1936-07-21|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-09|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The center, the first of four planned WPA pools in Brooklyn,<ref name="nydn19340723" /> was composed of a one-story bathhouse with a capacity of 4,850; a {{Convert|256|by|165|ft|abbr=|adj=on}} pool; and two semicircular {{Convert|165|ft|m|-diameter|abbr=|adj=mid}} pools for wading and diving.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|p=8}}</ref>
+Construction for some of the 11 pools began in October 1934.<ref name="Exterior p. 7" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=October 4, 1934|title=Park Work Is Begun on 2 Bathing Pools; Construction Under Way at High Bridge and Hamilton Fish -- 7 Others to Be Started Soon|language=en-US|page=48|work=The New York Times|url-access=subscription|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/10/04/93645601.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=January 13, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509134446/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/10/04/93645601.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false}}</ref> The pond, golf course, rustic shelter, and carousel were removed to make way for the new pool at Sunset Park, which would be on the park's eastern side.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/B087/map/Sunset_Brochure.pdf|title=Sunset Park Recreation Center|website=nycgovparks.org|access-date=June 11, 2019|archive-date=February 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203063415/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/B087/map/Sunset_Brochure.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The blueprints for the Sunset Park pool were submitted to the [[New York City Department of Buildings]] in August 1935, by which point WPA workers were already working at the site.<ref name="Exterior p. 7" /> During construction, several [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] artifacts were found at the site of the old pond.<ref name="bde19390903">{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/3863313/|title=WPA Gives Sunset Park Face-Lifting|date=September 3, 1939|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=August 8, 2019|page=4|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}|archive-date=May 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511141644/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/3863313/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/|url-status=live}}</ref> By mid-1936, ten of the eleven WPA-funded pools were completed and were being opened at a pace of one per week.<ref name="Caro456" /> The Sunset Pool was the sixth of these pools to open.<ref name="Exterior p. 10"/><ref name="Gutman p. 555">{{cite magazine|last=Gutman|first=Marta|date=November 1, 2008|title=Race, Place, and Play: Robert Moses and the WPA Swimming Pools in New York City|magazine=Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians|publisher=University of California Press|volume=67|issue=4|page=555|doi=10.1525/jsah.2008.67.4.532|issn=0037-9808}}</ref>{{efn|The pools opened in the following chronological order: [[Hamilton Fish Park]], [[Thomas Jefferson Park]], [[Astoria Park]], [[Tompkinsville Pool]], [[Highbridge Park]], Sunset Park, [[Crotona Park]], [[McCarren Park]], [[Betsy Head Park]], [[Jackie Robinson Park|Colonial Park]], and [[Red Hook Park]].<ref name="NYC Parks Pools History"/><ref name="Gutman p. 555" />}} The pool was dedicated on July 20, 1936, with a crowd of 3,500 spectators.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/21/archives/mayor-opens-pool-in-brooklyn-park-turns-on-underwater-lights-in.html|title=Mayor Opens Pool in Brooklyn Park; Turns on Under-water Lights in Sunset Swimming Center as 3,500 Look on|date=1936-07-21|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-09|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809035322/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/21/archives/mayor-opens-pool-in-brooklyn-park-turns-on-underwater-lights-in.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The center, the first of four planned WPA pools in Brooklyn,<ref name="nydn19340723" /> was composed of a one-story bathhouse with a capacity of 4,850; a {{Convert|256|by|165|ft|abbr=|adj=on}} pool; and two semicircular {{Convert|165|ft|m|-diameter|abbr=|adj=mid}} pools for wading and diving.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|p=8}}</ref>
-In 1938, the city announced that it would rebuild the western section of Sunset Park as well.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/34709519/|title=Whole Western Section of Sunset Park on WPA List for Reconstruction|date=September 28, 1938|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=August 8, 2019|page=29|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> By the next year, a WPA project was underway for the western part of the park. A steep 65-foot slope was reduced to {{Convert|40|ft||abbr=}} to lessen erosion, and a soldiers' monument was relocated. In addition, new concrete-block paths and drainage had been laid and an old comfort station had been destroyed.<ref name="bde19390903" /> Plans for minor modifications to the Sunset Play Center were filed in September 1940. By the early 1940s, WPA workers had finished the landscaping of the site, including new plantings, lawn restoration, and other rehabilitation.<ref name="Exterior p. 10">{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|p=10}}</ref>
+In 1938, the city announced that it would rebuild the western section of Sunset Park as well.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/34709519/|title=Whole Western Section of Sunset Park on WPA List for Reconstruction|date=September 28, 1938|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=August 8, 2019|page=29|via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}|archive-date=May 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511141644/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/34709519/whole-western-section-of-sunset-park-on/|url-status=live}}</ref> By the next year, a WPA project was underway for the western part of the park. A steep {{Convert|65|ft|adj=on}} slope was reduced to {{Convert|40|ft||abbr=}} to lessen erosion, and a soldiers' monument was relocated. In addition, new concrete-block paths and drainage had been laid and an old comfort station had been destroyed.<ref name="bde19390903" /> Plans for minor modifications to the Sunset Play Center were filed in September 1940. By the early 1940s, WPA workers had finished the landscaping of the site, including new plantings, lawn restoration, and other rehabilitation.<ref name="Exterior p. 10">{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|p=10}}</ref>
 === Later years ===
-By the 1970s, Sunset Park and other city parks were in poor condition due to the [[1975 New York City fiscal crisis]]. NYC Parks commenced a project to restore the pools in several parks in 1977, including at Sunset Park, for whose restoration the agency set aside an estimated $5.8 million.<ref name="Exterior p. 11">{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|p=11}}</ref> These projects were not carried out due to a lack of money, and by March 1981, NYC Parks only had 2,900 employees in its total staff, less than 10 percent of the 30,000 present when Moses was parks commissioner.<ref name="Exterior p. 10" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/03/15/nyregion/parks-department-to-start-hiring-for-first-time-since-fiscal-crisis.html|title=Parks Department to Start Hiring for First Time Since Fiscal Crisis|last=Carmody|first=Deirdre|date=1981-03-15|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-09|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Despite the revitalization of the surrounding neighborhood, partially due to efforts by Asian and Latin American immigrants who moved to the area,<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2019|pp=20–21}}</ref> the park was still perceived as rundown, and graffiti and vandalism were common.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34724643/|title=Awaiting waterfront rebirth|date=March 1, 1981|work=New York Daily News|access-date=August 9, 2019|page=282|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref>
+By the 1970s, Sunset Park and other city parks were in poor condition following the [[1975 New York City fiscal crisis]]. NYC Parks commenced a project to restore the pools in several parks in 1977, including at Sunset Park, for whose restoration the agency set aside an estimated $5.8 million ({{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=5800000|start_year=1977|r=-3|fmt=eq}}).<ref name="Exterior p. 11">{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|p=11}}</ref> These projects were not carried out due to a lack of money. By March 1981, NYC Parks had only 2,900 employees in its total staff, less than 10 percent of the 30,000 present when Moses was parks commissioner.<ref name="Exterior p. 10" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/03/15/nyregion/parks-department-to-start-hiring-for-first-time-since-fiscal-crisis.html|title=Parks Department to Start Hiring for First Time Since Fiscal Crisis|last=Carmody|first=Deirdre|date=1981-03-15|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-09|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809191156/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/03/15/nyregion/parks-department-to-start-hiring-for-first-time-since-fiscal-crisis.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the revitalization of the surrounding neighborhood, partially due to efforts by Asian and Latin American immigrants who moved to the area,<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2019|pp=20–21}}</ref> the park was still perceived as rundown, and graffiti and vandalism were common.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34724643/|title=Awaiting waterfront rebirth|last=Davila|first=Albert|date=March 1, 1981|work=New York Daily News|access-date=August 9, 2019|page=282|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}|archive-date=May 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511141645/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34724643/awaiting-waterfront-rebirth/|url-status=live}}</ref>
-In 1982, the NYC Parks budget increased greatly, enabling the agency to carry out $76 million worth of restoration projects by year's end; among these projects was the restoration of the Sunset Park pool.<ref>{{Cite news|title=City to Start Repairing Three of Its Swimming Pools|last=Carmody|first=Deirdre|date=June 25, 1982|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|id={{ProQuest|121985503}}}}</ref> Work had begun by early 1983, and the complex was closed for two summer seasons while work was ongoing.<ref name="Exterior p. 11" /> The play center reopened on August 8, 1984.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34724575/|title=Sunset Park in the swim|date=August 9, 1984|work=New York Daily News|access-date=August 9, 2019|page=110|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> In addition to the renovated play center, the diving pool was infilled for the construction of a volleyball court; spray fountains at the wading pool's former site were installed in 1988; and murals were installed in the locker rooms.<ref name="Exterior p. 11" />
+In 1982, the NYC Parks budget increased greatly, enabling the agency to carry out $76 million worth of restoration projects by year's end; among these projects was the restoration of the Sunset Park pool.<ref>{{Cite news|title=City to Start Repairing Three of Its Swimming Pools|last=Carmody|first=Deirdre|date=June 25, 1982|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|id={{ProQuest|121985503}}}}</ref> Work had begun by early 1983, and the complex was closed for two summer seasons while work was ongoing.<ref name="Exterior p. 11" /> The play center reopened on August 8, 1984.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34724575/|title=Sunset Park in the swim|date=August 9, 1984|work=New York Daily News|access-date=August 9, 2019|page=110|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}|archive-date=May 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511141826/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34724575/sunset-park-in-the-swim/|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to the renovated play center, the diving pool was infilled for the construction of a volleyball court; spray fountains at the wading pool's former site were installed in 1988; and murals were installed in the locker rooms.<ref name="Exterior p. 11" />
-NYC Parks continued to face financial shortfalls in the coming years, and the pools retained a reputation for being unsafe.<ref name="Exterior p. 11" /> For the summer of 1991, mayor David Dinkins had planned to close all 32 outdoor pools in the city, a decision that was only reversed after a $2 million donation from real estate developer [[Sol Goldman]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/16/nyregion/donation-will-keep-32-public-pools-open.html|title=Donation Will Keep 32 Public Pools Open|date=1991-05-16|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-09|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and $1.8 million from other sources.<ref name="Exterior p. 11" /> Additionally, in the 1990s, a practice called "whirlpooling" became common in New York City pools such as Sunset Park, wherein women would be inappropriately fondled by teenage boys.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/07/07/nyregion/a-menacing-ritual-is-called-common-in-new-york-pools.html|title=A Menacing Ritual Is Called Common in New York Pools|last=Marriott|first=Michel|date=1993-07-07|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-09|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34725131/|title=Deep at City Pool; Sex harass is pervasive|date=July 11, 1994|work=New York Daily News|access-date=August 9, 2019|page=7|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> By the turn of the century, crimes such as sexual assaults had decreased in parks citywide due to increased security.<ref name="Exterior p. 11" />
+NYC Parks continued to face financial shortfalls in the coming years, and the pools retained a reputation for high crime.<ref name="Exterior p. 11" /> For the summer of 1991, mayor David Dinkins had planned to close all 32 outdoor pools in the city, a decision that was only reversed after a $2 million donation from a trust created upon the death of real estate developer [[Sol Goldman]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/16/nyregion/donation-will-keep-32-public-pools-open.html|title=Donation Will Keep 32 Public Pools Open|date=1991-05-16|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-09|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809191146/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/16/nyregion/donation-will-keep-32-public-pools-open.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and $1.8 million from other sources.<ref name="Exterior p. 11" /> Additionally, in the 1990s, a practice called "whirlpooling" became common in New York City pools such as Sunset Park, wherein women would be inappropriately fondled by teenage boys.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Marriott|first=Michel|date=July 7, 1993|title=A Menacing Ritual Is Called Common in New York Pools|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url-access=limited|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/07/07/nyregion/a-menacing-ritual-is-called-common-in-new-york-pools.html|access-date=January 18, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809191148/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/07/07/nyregion/a-menacing-ritual-is-called-common-in-new-york-pools.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=July 11, 1994|title=Deep at City Pool; Sex harass is pervasive|first=Lauren|last=Terrazzano|pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34725131/ 7], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67963278/ 20]|work=New York Daily News|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> By the turn of the century, crimes such as sexual assaults had decreased in parks citywide due to increased security.<ref name="Exterior p. 11" />
-In 2007, the Sunset Play Center's interior and exterior were both designated as official city landmarks by the [[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/07/25/a-new-deal-era-pool-is-now-a-landmark/|title=McCarren Pool in Brooklyn Is Now a Landmark|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=2007-07-25|website=City Room|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-09}}</ref> The commission had previously considered the pool for landmark status in 1990, along with the other ten WPA pools in the city.<ref>{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007|ps=.|p=1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Brozan|first=Nadine|date=1990-07-30|title=A Crumbling Pool Divides a Neighborhood|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/30/nyregion/a-crumbling-pool-divides-a-neighborhood.html|access-date=2021-01-11|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> A reconstruction of the playground was completed in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/planning-and-building/capital-project-tracker/project/1050|title=Sunset Park Playground Reconstruction : NYC Parks|website=www.nycgovparks.org|access-date=2019-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bklyner.com/sunset-park-playground-is-open/|title=Sunset Park Playground Is Open - BKLYNER|website=bklyner.com|access-date=2019-08-09}}</ref> The same year, a $4 million renovation of the Sunset Park Play Center was approved.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bklyner.com/sunset-park-recreation-center-gets-approval-much-needed-renovations/|title=Sunset Park Recreation Center Gets Approval For Much-Needed Renovations - BKLYNER|website=bklyner.com|access-date=2019-08-22}}</ref>
+In 2007, the Sunset Play Center's interior and exterior were both designated as official city landmarks by the [[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/07/25/a-new-deal-era-pool-is-now-a-landmark/|title=McCarren Pool in Brooklyn Is Now a Landmark|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|author-link=David W. Dunlap|date=2007-07-25|website=City Room|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-09|archive-date=August 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809191151/https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/07/25/a-new-deal-era-pool-is-now-a-landmark/|url-status=live}}</ref> The commission had previously considered the pool for landmark status in 1990, along with the other ten WPA pools in the city.<ref name="NYCL p. 1"/><ref>{{Cite news|last=Brozan|first=Nadine|date=1990-07-30|title=A Crumbling Pool Divides a Neighborhood|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url-access=limited|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/30/nyregion/a-crumbling-pool-divides-a-neighborhood.html|access-date=2021-01-11|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=January 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110105137/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/30/nyregion/a-crumbling-pool-divides-a-neighborhood.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A reconstruction of the playground was completed in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sunset Park Playground Reconstruction|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/planning-and-building/capital-project-tracker/project/1050|url-status=live|access-date=2019-08-09|publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|archive-date=August 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809191146/https://www.nycgovparks.org/planning-and-building/capital-project-tracker/project/1050}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Zagare|first=Liena|date=2017-08-11|title=Sunset Park Playground Is Open|url=https://bklyner.com/sunset-park-playground-is-open/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=Bklyner|language=en-US|archive-date=August 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809191201/https://bklyner.com/sunset-park-playground-is-open/|url-status=live}}</ref> The same year, a $4 million renovation of the Sunset Park Play Center was approved.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wong|first=Pamela|date=2017-05-10|title=Sunset Park Recreation Center Gets Approval For Much-Needed Renovations|url=https://bklyner.com/sunset-park-recreation-center-gets-approval-much-needed-renovations/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=Bklyner|language=en-US|archive-date=August 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822213653/https://bklyner.com/sunset-park-recreation-center-gets-approval-much-needed-renovations/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following an influx of [[Asylum in the United States|asylum seekers]] to New York City, in August 2023, city officials converted portions of the recreation centers at [[McCarren Park]] and Sunset Park into temporary shelters,<ref name="Rosoff 2023 s286">{{cite web |last=Rosoff |first=Henry |date=August 5, 2023 |title=NYC using Brooklyn parks as migrant housing |url=https://pix11.com/news/new-york-city-using-brooklyn-parks-as-migrant-housing/ |access-date=August 7, 2023 |website=PIX11}}</ref><ref name="Brooklyn Eagle 2023 z596">{{cite web |date=August 4, 2023 |title=Asylum seekers coming to McCarren Park's recreation center |url=https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2023/08/04/asylum-seekers-coming-to-mccarren-parks-recreation-center/ |access-date=August 7, 2023 |website=Brooklyn Eagle}}</ref> prompting protests from local residents.<ref name="Rozner 2023 u531">{{cite web |last=Rozner |first=Lisa |date=August 6, 2023 |title=Residents protest asylum seeker shelter at Sunset Park Recreation Center |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/residents-protest-asylum-seeker-shelter-at-sunset-park-recreation-center/ |access-date=September 28, 2023 |website=CBS New York}}</ref><ref name="Ostadan 2023 y697">{{cite web |last=Ostadan |first=Bahar |date=August 6, 2023 |title=New migrant respite center in Sunset Park draws opposition from first-generation immigrants |url=https://gothamist.com/news/new-migrant-respite-center-in-sunset-park-draws-opposition-from-first-generation-immigrants |access-date=September 28, 2023 |website=Gothamist}}</ref> The shelter had closed by the next month.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Heisler |first=Todd |last2=Newman |first2=Andy |last3=Vilchis |first3=Raúl |last4=Bensimon |first4=Olivia |date=2023-09-28 |title=Where the Migrants Who Came to New York Are Living Now |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/28/nyregion/nyc-migrants-neighborhoods-shelters.html |access-date=2023-09-28 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
+==See also==
+* [[Art Deco architecture of New York City]]
+* [[List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Brooklyn]]
 ==References==
@@ Line 87: / Line 105: @@
 ===Sources===
 {{refbegin}}
-* {{cite web|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2242.pdf|title=Sunset Play Center Exterior|last=Davis|first=Amanda B.|date=July 24, 2007|publisher=[[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]]|ref={{harvid|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007}}}}
+* {{cite web|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2242.pdf|title=Sunset Play Center Exterior|last=Davis|first=Amanda B.|date=July 24, 2007|publisher=[[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]]|ref={{harvid|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2007}}|access-date=August 12, 2019|archive-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101193022/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2242.pdf|url-status=live}}
-* {{cite web|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2243.pdf|title=Sunset Play Center Interior|last=Davis|first=Amanda B.|date=July 24, 2007|publisher=[[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]]|ref={{harvid|Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior|2007}}}}
+* {{cite web|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2243.pdf|title=Sunset Play Center Interior|last=Davis|first=Amanda B.|date=July 24, 2007|publisher=[[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]]|ref={{harvid|Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior|2007}}|access-date=August 12, 2019|archive-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101193015/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2243.pdf|url-status=live}}
-* {{cite web|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2625.pdf|title=Sunset Park North Historic District|first=Michael|last=Caratzas|first2=Jessica|last2=Baldwin|date=June 18, 2019|publisher=[[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]]|ref={{harvid|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2019}}}}
+* {{cite web|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2625.pdf|title=Sunset Park North Historic District|first1=Michael|last1=Caratzas|first2=Jessica|last2=Baldwin|date=June 18, 2019|publisher=[[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]]|ref={{harvid|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2019}}|access-date=August 12, 2019|archive-date=August 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807144642/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2625.pdf|url-status=live}}
-* {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dp0YAAAAYAAJ|title=Robert Moses: Builder for Democracy|last=Rodgers|first=Cleveland|publisher=Holt|year=1952}}
+* {{Cite book|last=Rodgers|first=Cleveland|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/528489|title=Robert Moses, Builder for Democracy|date=1952|publisher=Holt|location=New York|language=English|oclc=528489|access-date=May 11, 2022|archive-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101015505/https://www.worldcat.org/title/robert-moses-builder-for-democracy/oclc/528489|url-status=live}}
 {{refend}}
 == External links ==
-* {{Commons category-inline|Sunset Park (Brooklyn park)}}
+{{Commons category|Sunset Park (Brooklyn park)}}
-* {{official|https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/sunset-park}}
+* {{official website|https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/sunset-park}}
 {{Protected areas of New York City}}
 [[Category:1891 establishments in New York (state)]]
-[[Category:1936 establishments in New York (state)]]
+[[Category:1936 establishments in New York City]]
 [[Category:Art Deco architecture in Brooklyn]]
 [[Category:New York City Designated Landmarks in Brooklyn]]
@@ Line 106: / Line 124: @@
 [[Category:Parks in Brooklyn]]
 [[Category:Robert Moses projects]]
-[[Category:Works Progress Administration in New York City]]
 [[Category:Sunset Park, Brooklyn]]
+[[Category:Works Progress Administration in New York City]]