The Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation approved the design and installation of a pool at Brooklyn Bridge Park last Wednesday, February 29, making way for a summer full of splashes at the popular DUMBO destination.

The 30-by-50 foot above ground family pool on Pier 2 is set to be 3.5 feet deep and surrounded by decks and poolside recreation.

State Senator Daniel Squadron and Assemblywoman Joan Millman, with the support of councilmen Stephen Levin and Brad Lander, secured funding for the pool for at least five summers as part of their August 2011 agreement to move the park forward and reduce housing.

“A pool and other active recreation are critical to the long-term success of Brooklyn Bridge Park for the next five summers and beyond,” Squadron said.

He said he would continue to work with the other elected officials to make the pool and other active recreation permanent parts of the park.

The August 2011 agreement ensured that $55 million in city capital funds would be spent to move forward with construction of Pier 2’s active recreational amenities, while allowing at least one building to provide housing near to the park, on John Street.

In essence, it also finalized a plan to ensure that a long-term revenue stream is in place to pay for the park’s annual maintenance of $16 million.

By reducing housing and adding in alternative revenue sources, such as increased concessions, events, recreation fees and an institution of parking fees, total annual revenue of $750,000 could now be brought in.

Although some, such as the Brooklyn Bridge Defense Fund, oppose housing at the park altogether, city officials believe that housing, even though reduced, is the only way that the park can sustain itself and bring in a steady stream of money.

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation also last week announced a regulation-sized soccer field would be built on Pier 5.

A joint statement from elected officials called that announcement, “a big step forward for the park and the surrounding community.”

“We look forward to continuing to work together on additional permanent active recreation, such as a pool, a skating rink, a bubble, and other community priorities,” read the statement.

A basketball complex will follow the construction of the soccer field. The corporation is also building a bridge to connect the park to its surrounding neighborhood.

“We've got lots coming up in terms of construction,” said Regina Myer, president of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation.

Pier 5 is set to open in the fall of 2012 with three recreation fields and a picnic area.