McCarren Park is a 35-acre park named in 1909 after NY State Senator Patrick McCarren. The park is host to traditional outdoor activities such as kickball, softball and running. Because of the young, creative mix of people from the surrounding neighborhoods, it has also been the site of many unique ideas likethe McCarren Pool. The pool was built in 1936 and closed in 1984. In 2005, the space reopened and the empty pool was used as the location for concerts, dance parties and movie screenings. In 2012, after a $50 Million renovation, the pool returned to its original use and is now open for year round recreational swimming.