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
