Editor’s Pick 

Outdoor Pool Season at New Van Cortlandt “Cool Pool”  

NYC Parks’ outdoor pools will open beginning Saturday, June 26, through Sunday, Sept. 12. Daily hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Pool capacity will not be limited for the upcoming season. Social distancing is still recommended, and face coverings will be required to enter the facility.

 

Van Cortlandt Pool is one of this year’s three new Cool Pools, along with Howard and Bushwick pools in Brooklyn. These pools have been transformed with a bright new paint palette, polar-themed art, new umbrellas provided by Poggesi USA, and more! Since 2018, the Cool Pools NYC initiative has upgraded a total of 16 pools, giving New Yorkers the chance to see an old neighborhood amenity in a new way.

 

EVENTS

Young people and parents are invited to join the Woodlawn Book Club for a discussion of “Riding on Duke’s Train” by Mick Carlon. The book tells the story of nine-year-old Danny who stows away on Duke Ellington’s train where he meets many famous musicians. The book discussion will take place on Sunday, June 27, at 11:30 a.m. Participants will meet outdoors at the Jerome Avenue entrance of the Woodlawn Conservancy at 4199 Webster Avenue. To register, visit woodlawn.org, click on the conservancy tab and select Tour and Events.

 

The New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce is hosting a 2021 LGBTQIA Roundtable on Friday, June 25, at midday. The purpose of the event is to inform the public about a partnership between the NYC Department of Small Business Services and the National LBGT Chamber of Commerce. TJ Chernick and Wendy Garcia from the NYC Comptroller’s office will be the guest speakers along with the others from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. The event is virtual, and participants can register at eventbrite.com. Change the location to online events, and search “2021 LGBTQ Roundtable.”

 

The Woodlawn Conservancy is hosting a Trolley Tour to visit the final resting places of vaudeville and jazz musicians at Woodlawn Cemetery. The tour will stop to honor George M. Cohan, Nora Bays, Duke Ellington, and others. A victrola will play the music of these famous musicians, and the tour will be hosted by Michael Cumella, aka DJ MAC. The tour will take place on Sunday, June 27, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person or $20 for members and seniors. Children aged four and older must have a ticket. To purchase tickets, visit woodlawn.org, click on the conservancy tab, and select Tour and Events. Scroll down to purchase tickets for the tour. All participants must wear a mask on the trolley.

 

New York City Pride is bringing back Youth Pride in New York City this year. NYC Pride partnered with youth-focused LGBT centers, organizations, and programs nationwide to present this year’s virtual event. The event will take place on Saturday, June 26, at 3 p.m., and will feature musical performances, LGBTQIA+ center spotlights, DJs and a special ballroom segment. The event is free and interested parties can visit nycpride.org/event/youth-pride to rsvp.

 

Starting July 5, Bronx Zoo will be hosting World of Wildlife, a program that aims to bring to life the worlds built within the books of legendary children’s author, Eric Carle. The program will involve live performances, music, games and more. Visit bronxzoo.com/eric-carle to learn more and to reserve tickets.

 

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance (VCPA) is hosting a spring benefit Lawn Party on Thursday, June 24, from 6.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Van Cortlandt House Museum, located at 6036 Broadway, Van Cortlandt Park, The Bronx, NY 10471. This year, VCPA is honoring Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, Commissioner, NYC Department of Parks & Recreation. The event will feature music, individually boxed dinners, mingling in the park, goats, lawn games and more. For tickets and more, go to https://givebutter.com/vcpalawnparty.

 

The New York Botanical Garden is hosting various virtual events to celebrate PRIDE month in The Bronx. Go to https://www.nybg.org/event/nybg-pride/ for more information.

 

ART

The exhibit Born in Flames: Feminist Futures is on display at the Bronx Museum, now through September 12. The exhibit showcases the visions of contemporary artists. To learn more, visit bronxmuseum.org, select the exhibitions tab and scroll down to locate the event. Tickets to visit the museum can also be purchased at bronxmuseum.org/visit.

 

The exhibit, Wardell Milan: Amerika, God Bless You If It’s Good To You, opens on Wednesday, June 23, at the Bronx Museum and will remain open until October 24. The exhibit showcases 12 new drawings and mixed media created by the artist Wardell Milan. Milan and choreographer, Zachary Tye Richardson, will present new performance works as part of the exhibit. Visit bronxmuseum.org, select the exhibitions tab and scroll down to learn more about the exhibit. Tickets to visit the museum can also be purchased at bronxmuseum.org/visit.

 

En Foco is a Bronx photography nonprofit and Wallworks will be showcasing En Foco’s exhibition of its 2021 photography fellowship awardees until June 30. The exhibit, In Between Yesterday Today and Tomorrow, was curated by Elia Alba and features the work of Richard Acevedo, Argenis Apolinario, Roy Baizan, Daveed Baptiste, Kevin Quiles Bonilla, Amarise Carreras, Vinay Hira, Sydney King, Spandita Malik and Bashira Webb. The exhibit is located at 15 Canal Place. Tickets can be purchased at wallworksny.com/book-online.

 

Get an Introduction to Art on Fridays, from May 21–June 28, 2021from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center at 3225 Reservoir Oval East, Bronx, N.Y. (In front of the recreation center). Calling all aspiring artists! Bring your paint brushes and love for art and expression to Williamsbridge Oval. Art, drawing, and painting techniques will be at the forefront of this program. The events are FREE and open to the public. Please note, space is limited due to social distancing requirements and remember to wear a face covering. For more information, visit nyc.gov/parks or contact Sarah.Bishow@parks.nyc.gov. Contact (212) 360-1430 or accessibility@parks.nyc.gov for more information regarding accessibility.

 

MOVEMENT

New York City outdoor public pools will open on June 26. All indoor pools will remain closed for the time being due to COVID-19. Visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/outdoor-pools to search for pools in your area.

 

Bronx Healthy Start is hosting Fitness Friday on June 25, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The program is the last event on Bronx Healthy Start’s June workshop calendar. The event will take place virtually on ZOOM, and interested parties can register by searching for bxhealthy start on instagram.com. Once on the group’s profile, click on the link in their account bio and then click the box tagged “Fitness Friday.”

 

Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, located at 3225 Reservoir Oval East in the Bronx, is hosting various Adult Programs from April 5 to June 25, 2021. All programs are free, held outside, and are limited based on social distancing requirements. All participants must wear a face covering. Call Sarah on (718) 543-8672 for more details.

 

Chair Aerobics with Ingrid is held on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. This chair aerobics class is perfect for someone new or for those getting back into working out.

Circuit Training with Carl is held on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Join this low impact strength workout, a beginner’s way to start building muscle.

Kripalu Yoga with Michele is held on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Through breathing, meditation and movements, wake up with this great morning routine.

Riding to the Beat with Ingrid is held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Come out for a morning spin bike, ride to get your heartbeat up. This is a great cardio workout.

Pickleball with Oscar is held on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Learn the basics in this paddle game, similar to tennis and compete against others on the tennis courts.

 

NYC Upcoming Parks Events 

Saturday, June 26, 2021

It’s My Park at Henry Hudson Park 9 a.m. to noon

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Pride Birding 10 a.m. 11 a.m. at Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx

Community Rowing and Birding 1p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hunts Point Riverside Park

Movie Under the Stars: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle 8 p.m. 11 p.m. at Williamsbridge Oval, Bronx

Sunday, June 27, 2021

Community Sailing 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Hunts Point Riverside Park

Family Camping: Bronx 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. at Orchard Beach Nature Center, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx

Monday, June 28, 2021

Monday Morning Pitch-In at Williamsbridge Oval Park 9 a.m. to noon

Monday Morning Pitch-In at Walter Gladwin Park 9 a.m. to noon

Monday Morning Pitch-In at Starlight Park 9 a.m. to noon.

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Arts, Culture & Fun: Watercolor Painting Workshop 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tidy Thursdays at Starlight Park 10 a.m. to noon at Starlight Park, Bronx

Movies Under the Stars: Toy Story 4 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Woodlawn Playground, Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx

Friday, July 2, 2021

Celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Community Paddle on the Bronx River 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Concrete Plant Park, Bronx

Movies Under the Stars: Moana 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Concrete Plant Park, Bronx

Saturday, July 3, 2021

Lake Paddle 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at River Park, Bronx Park, Bronx

Historic New York: The Battle of Pell’s Point 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Sunday, July 4, 2021

Historic New York: Revolutionary Battles of Van Cortlandt Park 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Monday, July 5, 2021

Celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday Morning Pitch-In at Bronx Park East 9 a.m. a.m. to 12 p.m.

Monday Morning Pitch-In at St. James Park 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Monday Morning Pitch-In at Devoe Park 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Movies Under the Stars: Raya and the Last Dragon 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Williamsbridge Oval, Bronx

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Arts, Culture & Fun: Drawing Workshop 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.