Crown Heights Armory
1561 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Imagine Swimming’s Crown Heights Armory location is housed inside The Armory, a well-known Brooklyn facility serving families in Crown Heights and surrounding neighborhoods. This location brings Imagine Swimming’s trusted, safety-first swim instruction to a spacious and welcoming pool environment designed for swimmers of all ages.
At Imagine Swimming’s Crown Heights Armory location, we offer swim lessons for babies, children, and adults. From baby swim classes that introduce water comfort and early safety skills, to children building strong foundations, to adult swim lessons focused on confidence and technique, our experienced instructors meet swimmers where they are and help them progress at their own pace.
Families choose Imagine Swimming’s Crown Heights Armory location for its supportive atmosphere, individualized teaching approach, and commitment to helping swimmers feel safe and confident in the water. Located in the heart of Brooklyn, this facility reflects Imagine Swimming’s mission to provide thoughtful, high-quality swim instruction to New York City families.
Imagine Swimming offers income-based discounts for swim lessons and lap swim memberships at the Major Owens Community Center (Armory). If you live within Brooklyn Community Board 9 or City Council District 35 and meet income guidelines, you may qualify for:
80% discount on swim lessons: Discounted 30-minute lessons cost $11.80 per child, per class.
Discounted lap swim membership: $24.80 per month (regular rate is $124).
Discounted single visit for lap swim: $5 per visit.
Family Swim income-based rates: Adults $4 per visit, children 3+ $1 per visit.
To apply, you’ll need to provide proof of income and residency. Registration for discounted programs is done in person at the Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center during specific income verification hours. For more details and to check eligibility, visit the Income-Based Discounts page.
Schedule
Monday 8:00am - 06:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 06:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 06:30pm
Thursday 8:00am - 06:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 06:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 06:30pm
Sunday 8:00am - 06:30pm
Entering The Facility
You can enter the facility at 1561 Bedford Ave. between Union & President Streets.
Security will direct you through the turnstiles and to the right where you will proceed to the blue swimming pool building beneath the large Carey Gabay Recreation Center sign, via the walkway alongside the basketball courts and turf field.
Before & After Class
Please park strollers in the stroller parking area below the undersea mural before entering the locker rooms.
If you have children of the opposite sex we encourage you to use the Family Changing room. However, children 6 years and under are allowed in opposite sex locker rooms with an adult parent or caregiver.
If you forgot goggles, swim caps, etc., these items can be purchased at the swim shop in the pool lobby.
Please drop your children off, changed and ready to swim, in the hallway to the pool deck about 2 minutes before class begins. Please do not enter the pool deck with street shoes on. The Deck Supervisor will accompany your child as they rinse off in the on-deck showers, and then head to their class.
Masks and towels can be left on the hooks in the hallway to the pool deck.
After class please walk through the locker rooms to the pool deck hall to pick up your children. The Deck Supervisor will accompany all students to the hall and will hand them off to you.
Age Groups
This location is suited for ages 18 months and older.
Facility Rules
No strollers or street shoes are allowed on the pool deck. Street shoes (but not strollers) are allowed in the bleacher area behind the railing only.
Food and drink are not allowed anywhere in the pool area, including the bleachers.
Glass is not allowed anywhere on the premises.
We encourage families with young children who are not currently swimming to wait in the lobby viewing area (not the bleachers).
Wet bathers are not allowed in the bleacher area.
Seating
Seating for families and caregivers is located in viewing area benches.
Lanes
6
Temperature
The temperature of this pool is kept around 86 degrees. An ideal temperature for both lap swimmers and toddlers as young as 18 months to be comfortable in the water.

































































