Framed by the Midtown Manhattan skyline, the outdoor pool at Manhattan Park has transformed into a whimsical Technicolor oasis. For the 7th consecutive year, Manhattan Park has joined forces with Corcoran New Development and designers K&Co and Pliskin Architecture to create the whimsical ‘Pop-Up Pool Party’ art installation at this 8.5-acre, 880-residence luxury waterfront rental community.  

Located at 36 River Road on Roosevelt Island, Manhattan Park is distinguished by its oversized floorplans, many with terraces boasting panoramic views.  Through their ongoing commission of this project, Manhattan Park has been supporting and promoting local artists for the better part of a decade, while enhancing the appearance of the pool for all users to enjoy. 

“The Pop-Up Pool Party has become a beloved Manhattan Park tradition,” explained Danielle Higgins, leasing director at Manhattan Park. “The big reveal of each year’s design is highly-anticipated, and without fail brings a sense of fun and wonder.  It’s an initiative for which the complex has become known, and is simply a memorable experience for residents and guests.” 

Brooklyn-based artist Melissa Dadourian was tapped to create this year’s mural.  Dadourian is noted for her work in textile media, painting, and sculpture.  Over four-and-a-half days and using 36 gallons of paint, Dadourian created a vibrant geometric pattern to transform the pool deck at the complex into a wonderland of color. 

“We first conceptualized this seasonal experience in 2015, when our office was less than a year old.  It has grown with us for seven summers now, each year getting a new perspective thanks to an amazing fine artist,” said Krista Ninivaggi, Founder of K&Co.. “Melissa works in sculpture and spatial installations, so when we asked her to design a two-dimensional mural - albeit a very large one - her experience dovetailed well with our goal of celebrating the space and setting.” 

In addition to her work at Manhattan Park, Dadourian has recently presented work at the Albany Airport, the University of Buffalo, as well as Transmitter Gallery and the Textile Arts Center in Brooklyn.  Residencies include Vermont Studio Center, MASS MoCA, the American Academy in Rome, and the Citè Internationale des Artes in Paris.  She received a BFA from Pratt Institute and an MFA in Combined Media and Painting from Hunter College.  

“For the Manhattan Park pool mural I focused on creating areas of play - and game spaces with overlapping shapes,” she explains.  I began by moving around forms I use in my work, while experimenting with color combinations within a specific palette.  This type of collage process is reminiscent of a fitting together a puzzle.  Every piece has a purpose.” 

Revealed on Memorial Day weekend, the Pop-Up Pool Party will last throughout the summer 2021 season.  The freshly painted deck also features loungers, hammocks, beach-style lifeguard chairs, and other outdoor furniture - all with an iconic, pop-art feel.  

While the space is designed primarily for the use of Manhattan Park residents, a limited number of seasonal memberships and day passes are available.  For more information on how to spend the day – or the summer – at New York City’s most memorable pool experience, click here. 

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