De Blasio Administration Announces New NYC Parks Recreation Center Membership Rate for Veterans and People with Disabilities Takes Effect

June 1, 2016

NYC Parks reduces annual recreation center membership fee for U.S. veterans and people with disabilities to $25

NEW YORK —The de Blasio Administration today announced veterans and people with disabilities will be able to access a $25 discounted recreation center membership rate at all 36 NYC Parks recreation centers across the five boroughs. The new membership rate takes effect today, June 1.

“As the summer rolls around, it’s prime time for New Yorkers to be active and visit their local parks. NYC boasts hundreds of public parks and 36 recreation centers across the five boroughs, and now New Yorkers who have served our country in the armed forces and those with disabilities can access these activities at an even more affordable rate – encouraging everyone in our neighborhoods to get together, get outdoors and get moving,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“Our parks and recreation centers are the cornerstones of our neighborhoods, places where New Yorkers come together to build community. These special membership rates will ensure that veterans and people with disabilities have better access to these important amenities and can enjoy the social, physical, and mental wellness that stems from an active, healthy lifestyle,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.

The new $25 annual membership fee for veterans and people with disabilities will serve to:

• Enhance recreational opportunities and address public health needs for veterans and individuals with disabilities at all NYC Parks’ recreation centers.

• Honor our veterans by ensuring that they can enjoy affordable access to opportunities to stay healthy and active. 

• Ensure individuals living with a disability can enjoy the accessible amenities and adaptive programming offered at our recreation centers.

• Provide greater access to community events, digital learning opportunities through our Computer Resource Centers, aquatics and arts & culture programming.

• Complement New York City’s Young Men’s Initiative and other key programs expanding the recreational opportunities offered by New York City.

NYC Parks continues to offer affordable membership rates at recreation centers citywide, with standard annual memberships at $100 - $150 for adults, $25 for seniors and young adults, and free memberships for youth under the age of 18.

“Our parks are a vital resource and these new lower rates will make using them more affordable both for our veterans and for persons with disabilities,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives Richard Buery.  “As we move towards a more just and equitable city, we should embrace opportunities like this. I encourage qualifying individuals to take advantage of this incredible offer.”

“NYC Parks recreation centers are not only gyms and pools – they’re keystones of our neighborhoods. By providing greater access to veterans and New Yorkers with disabilities, the new, lower rates will help advance health, community, and education across the boroughs,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP.

“Accessibility and equity are what make New York a strong, just city – and they are the principles at the core of these targeted, lower rates for NYC Parks recreation centers. The new rates will allow thousands of New Yorkers with disabilities greater access to Parks’ fitness and education offerings across the city. The CDC has released data that shows a tie between rising obesity rates and people with disabilities, due to inactivity. Reduced fees will allow many of those with disabilities to participate fully in our accessible gyms and indoor pools with lifts, as well as the many adaptive sports hubs throughout the city,” said Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities Victor Calise.

"Veterans and their families greatly benefit from enjoying the tranquility of City parks and the health benefits of engaging in sports and other activities through use of City recreation centers,” said Brigadier General (Ret.) Loree Sutton, MD, Commissioner of the Department of Veterans’ Services. “Under the leadership of Mayor Bill de Blasio, DVS is pleased to partner with NYC Parks, Mayor's Office of People with Disabilities and the City Council to make these important benefits both accessible and affordable for those who have served our country."

“The City's recreation centers should be affordable for our veterans and fellow New Yorkers with disabilities. This is one small assurance we can offer to show our gratitude to the men and women who served and to ensure those with disabilities receive low-cost access to recreation. I'm pleased that the Parks Department will now allow these New Yorkers the benefit of our wonderful recreation centers at a reduced rate, and provide them the opportunity to live active and healthy lifestyles,” said Council Member Mark Levine, Chair of the City Council Parks Committee.

“New York City — Brooklyn in particular — has some of the most renowned public parks and recreation centers in the world, an invaluable resource for the entire community to share and protect,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams. “By expanding access to our recreation centers for military veterans and people with disabilities, the City will fulfill the promise of having its parks support every New Yorker who wants to maintain physical fitness, enjoy meaningful social engagement, and pursue an active, healthy lifestyle.”

“I’m pleased the Parks Department is offering discounted recreation center memberships to our veterans and disabled New Yorkers,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “Broadening access to our City’s wealth of recreation facilities is the right thing to do.”

“Our City’s recreation centers are an affordable option for those looking to get more physically active and improve their health and well-being,” said Staten Island Borough President James Oddo. They are now becoming even more affordable for vets and those with disabilities, and I am hopeful those on Staten Island will take advantage of this deal, which amounts to just about $2 a month.”

"Our parks and recreation centers need to be accessible to all. That's why I am proud to be part of the effort to reduce recreation center membership rates to honor our veterans and to provide increased access to people with disabilities. I thank Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Silver for their commitment to the health and well-being of all New Yorkers," said Council Member Margaret Chin.

"New York City Parks' recreation centers are affordable and accessible places for individuals to pursue healthy activities and engage with a broader community. Now these centers are more affordable and accessible, as membership is available at a reduced rate for veterans and people with disabilities. I am proud we can provide a discounted benefit to those New Yorkers who served or might have wanted to use these centers but were unable to at previous rates," said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

Since 1910, NYC Parks has provided the most affordable and extensive network of recreational services throughout New York City. Our 36 recreation centers provide a range of programs for people of all ages and offer facilities such as indoor pools, weight rooms, basketball courts, dance studios, game rooms, art studios, and libraries. More than 100 free fitness classes are offered through Shape Up NYC every week at dozens of recreation centers across the five boroughs. Additionally, NYC Parks has designated one center in every borough as an “Adaptive Hub,” which is a fully accessible recreation center that leads its borough in offering programs for New Yorkers with disabilities. The hubs supply information on all the adaptive swimming programs, adaptive sports, art classes and modified fitness classes NYC Parks organizes citywide.

To learn more about NYC Parks Recreation Centers and Adaptive Hubs in your community, please visit nyc.gov/parks.