NYC Parks to Reopen 13 Recreation Centers to Members Monday, June 14, with New Health and Safety Guidelines

June 10, 2021

Two additional recreation centers will open on Wednesday, June 23; Additional centers to reopen as other emergency and seasonal functions cease

NEW YORK—Today, Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP announced that on Monday, June 14, the first phase of recreation center reopenings will begin with the opening of 13 centers to existing members; two additional recreation centers will reopen to members on Wednesday, June 23. To ensure proper social distancing and prevent overcrowding, initially, recreation centers will only be open to members who were active as of March of 2020. 

“Recreation centers sit at the heart of so many communities, providing New Yorkers of all ages the chance to participate in athletics and a variety of other programming,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “As we take these steps to reopen safely, I encourage everyone who isn’t vaccinated already to get their shot today.”

“As our city continues to take great strides in recovering and reopening, we are thrilled to begin the process of reopening our recreation centers for New Yorkers to enjoy,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “While we are excited to begin reopening our centers, we urge everyone to get vaccinated and continue to follow mask and social distancing guidance, so that we may fully emerge, together, from this pandemic.”

NYC PARKS RECREATION CENTER REOPENINGS:

June 14, 2021: Hunts Point (BX), Brownsville (BK), Hansborough (MN), Alfred E. Smith (MN), Highbridge (MN), Rec Center 54 (MN), Thomas Jefferson (MN), Tony Dapolito (MN), Al Oerter (QN), Lost Battalion Hall (QN), Greenbelt (SI), Lyons (SI), Faber (SI), 

June 23, 2021: McCarren (BK), and Ocean Breeze (SI).

As a precaution due to COVID-19, several new policies are being implemented to keep recreation members safe. The reopened centers will operate at reduced capacity, and mask wearing is required for all. Recreation center equipment has been arranged to promote social distancing and shared equipment will be cleaned frequently. Indoor pools remain closed to the public at this time. 

Parks recreation centers were closed in March 2020 as a result of the pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, recreation centers were repurposed in support of COVID-19 related services including youth education and childcare services, COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and mask and food distribution hubs. 

Since 1910, the NYC Parks has provided the most affordable and extensive network of recreational services throughout New York City. Parks’ 36 recreation centers offer facilities such as indoor pools, weight rooms, basketball courts, and dance studios, art studios, game rooms, and libraries. All recreation centers also offer a range of programs for people of all ages. 

Hours of operation vary - please visit Parks’ Recreation Center page for more information: nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters.