It was a splash on Park Avenue even if these newly famous "dumpster pools" closed a bit earlier than some folks would have liked.
There were no more swimmers allowed as of 12:30 in the afternoon.
"It makes New York look so open and great, and then they smack you in the head because they closed it," said Madelaine Goldish, a Chelsea resident.
Traffic did stop for about 6 hours along Park Avenue Saturday as the city's opening day of "Summer Streets" kicked off.
There was no shortage of choices when it came to fun activities.
You could get a free helmet, or take the family out for a game of tennis.
"We were going away, then we decided to stay in the city because of this, and now the kids are learning tennis for free, and they love it," said Bill Wagoner, a Manhattan resident.
How often do you get a free lesson in Double Dutch from the Jazzy Jumpers of Brooklyn?
"Anybody can try, a dog can try, it's easy, it's simple," said Toni Veal, of the Jazzy Jumpers.
Others lined up for free food from Whole Foods.
They tried sorbet, sweet-n-spicy cantaloupe salad, and all for free.
Barbara Wheeler says any chance to ride a bicycle without traffic is a plus.
"I wish they could do it every Saturday, starting in May," Wheeler said.
There is a message from the Bloomberg Administration, which has tried to lower congestion from cars in the city, not to mention, the green element in all of this.
"It's about looking at our streets a little differently and understanding that they don't have to be used the same way at all times," said Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, of the New York City Department of Transportation.
If you missed any of the fun, no worries, "Summer Streets" returns for the next two Saturdays.
"Summer Streets is becoming an eagerly anticipated tradition and we're proud to bring it back for a third summer for New Yorkers to create their own urban adventures," said Commissioner Sadik-Khan. "In addition to space for skating, cycling or strolling, the route's new attractions this year will bring our streets to life, from swimming to street theater."
Key cross-town streets will remain open to vehicles crossing so participants can enjoyed the traffic-free environment and fun, free events. No Parking regulations will be in effect from 10 p.m. beginning the Friday evening before each event until 2 p.m. the day of the event. Street closures will begin at 6 a.m., with streets reopening at 1:30 pm the day of each event. More information can be found www.nyc.gov/summerstreets.
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