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Dumpster Diving: the New York Way

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New Yorkers are so hard up for pool access, we’ve settled for diving into converted “dumpsters” in a desperate attempt to cool off. What was last summer’s hipster punchline is now a full-blown public project. Since last year’s not-so secret dumpster project in Gowanus, the folks behind Macro Sea decided to expand on their idea and bring portable pools to the people (say that 10 times fast). Except this time, they’re not actual dumpsters, but just have the appearance of ones. Since partnering up, they’ve got a bigger budget to open up a series on pools right in front of Grand Central Station. I can only imagine the looks on people’s faces as they ride by on those double-decker tour buses, looking at the “crazy New Yorkers” swimming in trash heaps. Sarcasm aside, these things look pretty fance, and are complete with lounge areas, changing rooms, and fucking cabanas.

There's a ghost in there

Starting this Saturday, the pools will be open on Park Ave, from 7:00am to 1:00pm, for the first three Saturdays of the month. Part of the city’s Summer Streets Initiative, which closes off big blocks of streets for the public, it’s short term but well worth a trip uptown. While they’re not exactly deep enough to test our your back dives, they are 8 x 22 feet and  5 1/2 feet deep, so it’s better than your pathetic blow-up kiddie pool. They even have life guards available so leave your swimmies at home. While I can guarantee you won’t catch the hep by taking a dip, you can never truly keep out the city’s general creep population so maybe ditch the thong bikini just this once.

Photo Courtesy of: NY Times

Macro Sea Dumpster Pools
Saturday’s, August 7, 14, 21
7:00am-1:00pm
Park Ave, between 40 & 41st St’s
Grand Central Station

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Laura S - Spendthrift Scribe

Laura S - Spendthrift Scribe

Laura S, left the "sixth borough" three years ago to settle in Brooklyn. After working at some daily rags, she now does writing on the side but still eats more Ramen then necessary. When she's not moving residences every 6 months, eating her way through every neighborhood, and trying every microbrew known to man, she is unsuccessfully rediscovering home economics. With her binging days behind her, she's now exploring new projects and rediscovering the city that she loves (although is still prone to sliding on her knees during a Prince karaoke set).