THE HARLEM MEER OUTDOOR CENTER IN CENTRAL PARK | New York, NY 
2024 | Susan T Rodriguez | Architecture • Design in collaboration with Mitchell Giurgola and the Central Park Conservancy

Located at the intersection of History, Landscape, Recreation, and the City, the design for the New Harlem Meer Center builds upon the historic framework envisioned by Olmsted and Vaux to re-connect the Harlem Meer and surrounding community to the rest of the Park. The design calls for the demolition of the existing facility, allowing for the re-establishment of the historic watercourse along the western edge of the site, opening up views to Huddlestone Arch. Built into the topography of the site, the landscape extends over a new glass and stone pavilion which defines the eastern edge of a monumental outdoor room containing a new seasonal pool, rink and green. Unifying the project is the renewal of the surrounding landscape including a new waterfront boardwalk. Architecture and landscape come together to create a recreational experience integrated into the Park’s magnificent landscape, accessible to the public throughout the year. The project is the largest in Central Park Conservancy’s history.

Pursuing LEED Gold

Awards | NYC Public Design Commission Excellence in Design Award

Curbed: A Greener, Wilder Central Park Pool and Skating Rink

Bloomberg: New Central Park Amenity, Tailored to Its East Harlem Neighbors

Cornellians: AAP Alum Leads a Stunning Transformation

Wall Street Journal: Central Parks New Davis Center: In Line With the Landscape

New York Times: A Stunning New Pool in Central Park Helps Heal Old Wounds

Architect’s Newspaper: STR|A•D and Mitchell Giurgola Architects restore and revamp the Harlem Meer

The Gaurdian: New York unveils most dramatic changes to Central Park in years – in pictures

DesignBoom: A Giant Pool opens in New York’s Central Park

NY Yimby: Davis Center Redevelopment of Lasker Rink and Pool Readies for Grand Opening

West Side Rag: Central Park’s Long-Awaited Davis Center Opens With a Joyous Celebration

NY Post: Central Park’s long-bypassed northern tip begins exciting new era

Time Out: See the exciting pictures of the new community hub that just opened in Central Park

6sqfy: Central Park to Open Huge New Rec Center

Cheddar News Video: Transformation Hiding in Plain Sight

West Side Rag: New Harlem Meer Skating, Swimming, and Recreation Facility

Fast Company: Central Park is getting a New Recreation Center

Central Park Conservancy: Exciting Things to Come at the Harlem Meer Center Video

Central Park Conservancy: Harlem Meer Project Video

Press Release & Project Description

Central Park Conservancy: Lasker Rink and Pool Restoration

Architect’s Newspaper Article

New York Times Article

Architect Magazine Article

CBS New York Article

Model Photography | Aislinn Weidele

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THE DAVIS CENTER AT THE HARLEM MEER

THE DAVIS CENTER AT THE HARLEM MEER

Re-Imagining Central Park's Lasker Pool and Rink

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