Any NJ Resident Can Now Use Weehawken's New Pool Complex

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — With two months left of summer, Weehawken announced on Wednesday that its expansive new pool complex — funded with more than $2 million in state Green Acres funds — will now have hours for residents of other New Jersey towns who sign up.

Weehawken came under fire this summer from the state DEP and some Hoboken residents for refusing to let out-of-towners into their new pool. Hoboken residents were particularly vocal because the pool is walkable from their city, which lacks its own municipal pool.

The day after Patch ran a story on Tuesday, the town is now making the pool available to others on a limited basis. READ MORE: When Will Weehawken Let Other NJ Residents Into Its Pool?

People in any New Jersey town can sign up using this form. So far, the town is making the pool available on mornings through next Wednesday.

Two hundred people can use the complex at once. Each person has to be signed up separately.

"This is the first year the pool has been open, and it has been a learning experience for all involved, particularly in light of the COVID crisis and the need for social distancing and preventing unsafe overcrowding," the township explains on the site. "The Township's overriding concern has always been the need to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all those using the pool facility.

"Our analysis of attendance throughout the month of July indicates that the morning session has the lowest usage," says the site.

"Please keep in mind that due to COVID restrictions, the total number of individuals admitted to the pool is limited."

The pool, located near the Lincoln Tunnel, is walkable from Hoboken and a half mile from the Weehawken light rail.

Bike Hoboken noted on Wednesday, "From Hoboken, it’s an easy bike ride to the pool complex (with the exception of the very narrow sidewalk as you approach the pool entrance). There is a bike rack inside."

A Weehawken biking group is pushing for a bike lane to the pool.

See hours and more details here.

Hoboken Dad And Others Got Ball Rolling

Back in May, after a Hoboken dad and others reached out to the state DEP to ask about compliance, DEP officials responded in a May 17 email saying Weehawken would have to allow other New Jersey residents into the new pool.

As of Tuesday morning the Weehawken pool website still said it was open only to residents for the season, citing COVID.

Hoboken residents have been particularly vocal about the issue, since their town has — despite promises over the years — failed to build its own pool, and the Weehawken complex is within walking distance of Hoboken's northern border.

Marilyn Baer, the spokesperson for Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, said last week, when asked for an update, "Mayor Bhalla has been in touch with both Mayor Richard Turner and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Services to advocate on behalf of residents' access to the Weehawken Pool."

Hoboken dad Andrew Stroebel, who had communicated with the DEP on the matter earlier this summer, said late last week, "DEP met with Weehawken last week but DEP said Weehawken has made no progress in complying with their rules. They are meeting again this week."

He added, "The situation appears to me that Weehawken thinks they are above DEP rules and don’t have to comply in a timely manner. What frustrates me is that Weehawken is always saying that the lack of parking is why non residents can’t use the pool. But the pool is easily accessible via light rail, bike, and taxi."

Things can change fast.

Other Pool Updates And Hudson County Pools:

• Read about the deal between Hoboken and Stevens to use their indoor pool here.
• Read about an indoor Jersey City pool that Hoboken residents can use for a fee, within this story.
• Get the list of area pools and spray parks Hoboken residents can use here.