Inside track

Flushing Meadows–Corona Park Aquatic Center

Photo: Stephanie Gussin

SWIMMING

Which indoor pools are scuzzy and which are squeaky-clean?

Riverbank State Park
This spectacular sports complex perched on the Hudson boasts one of the few Olympic-sized pools in Manhattan. Not only is it ultraclear and sparkling, but the locker rooms are spacious and the views are panoramic. 679 Riverside Dr at 145th St (212-694-3600, nysparks.state.ny.us). $2, children under 15 and seniors over 62 $1, children under 4 free. (6 drops)

East 54th Street Recreation Center
Opened in 1911 as showers for New York’s “great unwashed,” this architectural gem and combo neighborhoody/midtown-corporate hangout has a wheelchair-accessible 60-foot pool that’s practically empty at lunchtime. Despite its age, the pool still shines. 348 E 54th St between First and Second Aves (212-754-5411, nycgovparks.org). $75/year, seniors over 55 $10, children under 18 free. (4 drops)

Tony Dapolito Recreation Center
This oldie ain’t much of a goody despite a delightful staff. The very narrow lap pool is stuffed into a cramped, cracked, dusty old room that’s seen better decades. 3 Clarkson St at Seventh Ave South (212-242-5228, nycgovparks.org). $75/year for adults; seniors 55 and over $10; children under 18 free.(2 drops)

Flushing Meadows–Corona Park Aquatic Center
Snuggled alongside Shea and Billie Jean stadiums, this brand-new center houses an Olympic-sized pool that offers a stunning, full-wall park vista and looks as clean and fresh as the view. The only downer? Small, sorta soggy locker rooms. Avery Ave at 131st St, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens (718-271-7572, nycgovparks.org). $75/year, seniors over 55 $10, children under 18 free. (5 drops)

RUNNING | SWIMMING | TENNIS | GYMNASTICS

IN THIS PACKAGE:
Where did you get that body? | Getting the shaft | Playa fields
Inside track | Get hot