Mommy FTW

Lately I’ve been getting lots of google searches for information about the Clermont Pool at PS 20 / Parham Playground in Fort Greene, so I decided to do a compilation post with all the news you can use!

Clermont pool hours of operation – the pool has two main sessions, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, and 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm.  If there is a line forming (only 30 people are allowed in at a time) the lifeguards will enforce 30 minute sessions, which means after 30 minutes they will clear the pool and let the line in.

Your little one needs to be wearing a swim diaper.  It’s fine to wear a hat, and I haven’t seen them care about what color shirt you, or your little one is wearing.  The only rules I see them really enforcing are “no jumping” and no lounging on the deck of the pool.

There is a shower that you are supposed to use before you enter the pool – and I would recommend after too!  By the way, they clean the pool every morning before it opens.

Cameron and I take a dip

The water is already plenty warm.  Believe me, I am a baby when it comes to cold water – and it’s just fine!

If you bring a stroller, park it on the side where the line forms near the bike rack.

You can bring a bag into the pool area.  I generally leave my phone at home and just bring a bag with sunscreen, a diaper change, a towel, and some water.  I come to the pool already wearing my bathing suit so I don’t have to leave the line to change.

Defend your place in line – there are only 30 spots and lots of the kids will try and cut in line.  Just be sure of yourself and your spot.

If there is a line, and you really want to get back into the pool immediately because you little one is having tons of fun, dash out as soon as you can after the lifeguard blows the whistle for the end of the 30 minute session.  You might get back in for the next session if you are speedy and lucky.

The pool is only 3 feet deep – kids must be 3 feet 8 inches to enter on your own (without a guardian).

Only one adult/caregiver is allowed per child – so 2 parents can’t go in with one child.  If you talk to the security guy at the gate he will let you swap out.

If your little one needs to use the bathroom the security guy will let them leave to use the facilities and then come back.  Don’t worry – you won’t loose your spot in the pool.

There is a small “gutter” area (for lack of a better word) around the edge of the pool that is an inch or two deep, and about 8 inches wide.  This area is great for getting your little one used to the water, for getting in and out of the pool, and for splashing in general.  Cameron loves to jump into my arms from this area, and to have some splash time.

And now – go and enjoy the pool!  If you want more information, check out my other posts about Clermont Pool.

Posted from New York, New York, United States.

As I reported for A Child Grows in Brooklyn, Clermont Pool (At Parham Playground / PS 20 on Clermont between Willoughby and Dekalb in Fort Greene) opens June 29th! I stopped by this morning on my way home from the sprinklers at Underwood Playground to check out the scene. I was happy to see it is full and ready for action! And boy, did it look refreshing. I took some pictures of the rules and posted signs to give you all an idea of what to expect. See you soon for a refreshing dip!

During our last little heat wave I called 311 to find out when the sprinklers and water fountains would be turned on at the local parks. According to them, sprinklers are on from 10am – dusk once the weather reaches above 80 degrees for three consecutive days between Memorial Day and Labor Day (but not before, no matter the temperature). So, unfortunately we’ve still got about a month to wait.

Last summer, the Camel Park Sprinkler in all it's glory

Strangely, (but thankfully) the water fountains at Greene Playground (near PS11) and at Edmonds Playground (aka Camel Park) are already on. I wish they would get the sprinklers going as well! Both Cameron and I could use a little cooling off!

I also did a little checking to find out when my beloved Clermont Pool will reopen (Cameron and I spent many days there last summer!) According to this page at nycgovparks.org NYC pools won’t open for the 2010 summer season until “Late June.”

For more NYC info, you can call 311 (they were very nice and informative,) you can check the 311 website, and you can even follow 311 on twitter!

Our vacation is coming soon and it’s made me think of the 5,000 things I need to do to get Cameron prepped and ready to go!  It’s also made me think about posts I did last summer which maybe some of my readers might have missed:

Baby Sunscreen Thick and Annoying?  Try This! – My favorite sunblock for baby…. check it out!

This is my pick for best baby sunscreen

Hot Baby? Heat Rash? Try a Soothing Bath – A simple home remedy to help deal with heat rash

Swings? Check. Shade? Check. Camel Park – It’s a classic for a reason – Camel Park is small but shady, and great for summer.

Hot Baby in the City – Last summer Cameron was rocking Lucky Wang Kimonos – and I plan to get him more this summer too.

Cute and Cool!

Swim Diapers Get a Second Life – How to reuse your swim diapers, and get more for your money!

Clermont Pool – You MUST go! – It’s not open yet, but once summer is in full swing you have to check out Clermont pool!

Are you ready for the hot days of summer?

I’ve always dried Cameron off after his bath on the floor next to our bathroom vanity cabinets.  Lately he decided it would be super fun to open and close them relentlessly as I attempt to dry him off.  The other day at the pool my friend Crystal mentioned that she was using rubber bands untill her babyproofing stuff arrived in the mail…. so I got some out today pre bath time.  Worked like a charm – for now!

The other day I posted about a friend who had dried out her daughter’s swim diaper in the hopes of using it again.  Well, today Cameron and I were back at Clermont pool and I re-used one of his diapers.  It worked great, and I will definitely do it again!

All summer I had many excuses as to why I wasn’t going to the pool at PS 20 / Parham Playground / Clermont pool in Fort Greene.  “Someone told me it’s really cold.”  ” I heard there are a lot of crazy strict rules.”  “I think it might be too crowded.”  Well, forget it.  It’s not cold at all, and on a hot day it’s downright lovely.  I even heard one kid exclaim to her mom “It’s warmer than the shower!”  As far as the rules go, the only ones I ever see them enforce are in regards to running and jumping.  I had heard there were restrictions about babies wearing hats, and wearing t shirts.  If these rules do exist, they don’t seem to be enforced, so I wouldn’t worry about it.  And while sometimes it can get a little crowded, its easy enough to roam around the pool, or sit your baby in the little side well where they can splash safely.  Overall, I have to say I’m embarrassed for not having gone sooner this summer, but you can bet Cameron and I will be there every afternoon we can until it closes!

Pool Time with Cameron

Clermont pool is open until Labor Day

Hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m

PS 20 Playground Between Clermont Ave. & Adelphi St

It’s a mini pool – perfect for kids – 40′ x 20′ x 3′

See you there!