Free outdoor pools are the best thing New York City still gives away, and Faber Park's is the heart of Port Richmond's summer — which makes a camp based here a genuinely enviable place to spend August as a kid. The lawn, the pool and the north shore breeze off the Kill Van Kull do most of the work. If you're on Staten Island's north shore and looking for what the neighborhood actually does in summer, it happens on this lawn.
What to expect
A camp group using the park lawn for games and activities across the day, with the adjacent city pool in the mix during open swim hours. The park's playground and paths stay open to the public. Expect a busy, kid-heavy scene from mid-morning through the afternoon.
Good to know
- Faber Park is in Port Richmond on Staten Island's north shore; the S40, S44 and S46 buses run nearby from the ferry
- This is an enrolled camp, so signing up goes through the recreation program rather than drop-in
- NYC pool rules are strict — a padlock for the locker, no cardboard-backed swimwear, no food inside the pool area
- Bring a towel, swimsuit and lunch for a full camp day
- The park's lawn and paths stay open to the public whether or not you're with the camp
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Common questions
Is Faber Pool free?
New York City's outdoor public pools are free to use during the summer season. Bring a padlock and follow the standard NYC Parks pool rules.
Where is Faber Park?
In Port Richmond on Staten Island's north shore, near the Kill Van Kull waterfront, with the pool and lawn at its center.
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