As of Oct. 3, nine recreation centers spread throughout the 5 boroughs will offer extended hours and new programming due to an increase of 7.1 million dollars in funding allocated in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget.
Saturday Night Lights is a highlight of the new programming, in partnership with the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, New York City Police Department, and New York City Department of Education creating a space for youth in underserved communities to have a space to gather and engage in activities at night. Other activities now offered and expanded include painting, basketball, volleyball, board game tournaments, strength training, double-dutch and more.
“Recreation centers and the programming they offer change lives and ensure our young people are not left behind,” said Mayor Adams. “Through our $7.1 million investment in expanded hours for recreation centers, we are providing New Yorkers in all five boroughs positive programming and a safe space to grow, learn, and build community. Saturday Night Lights is a hallmark of this administration’s investments and our commitment to free, high-quality activities for our youth, and I’m proud that these expanded hours will connect even more young people to this program.”
The Bronx now offers two centers with extended hours, those being Hunts Point Recreation Center and the Kwame Ture Recreation Center. They are open Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. These same hours are reflected across other extended recreation centers as well, including the Alfred E. Smith Recreation Center, Hansborough Recreation Center, and Highbridge Recreation Center in Manhattan, and the Roy Wilkins Recreation Center and Sorrentino Recreation Center in Queens.
The St. John’s Recreation Center in Brooklyn is now open Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Saturday from 8 a.m. to Midnight and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Lyon’s Recreation Center in Staten Island is open Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Recreation centers are critical to a young New Yorker’s life because of the programs and space they offer,” said U.S Representative Carolyn Maloney. “This $7.1 million investment will be a direct infusion into our communities and the future of our city. Expanded recreation center hours provide New Yorkers an array of programming, as well as organized environments to engage and be a part of their community. I applaud Mayor Adams and Commissioner Donoghue for spearheading this initiative that will change lives and provide opportunity.”
Young people in participating underserved communities are eligible for a free membership, everyone gets in free under 25. Those who are veterans, disabled, or seniors get a deducted membership cost of $25 per year. Memberships for adults 25-61 cost $125 annually. For exact opening and closing times of all recreation centers and to find local locations, check out nycgovparks.org.
