Mayor Adams, NYC Parks Announce $7.1 Million To Expand Hours At Recreational Centers From Harlem To Hollis

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Sue Donoghue today announced that starting today.

Nine recreation centers across the five boroughs will have expanded operating hours — giving New Yorkers greater access to sports and fitness programming, indoor courts, exercise equipment, and more.

The increase was made possible with $7.1 million in funding by Mayor Adams in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. Sites with expanded hours will offer additional programming, including New York City’s signature Saturday Night Lights program, for city youth.

“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 center, 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.”

“Our recreation centers serve all New Yorkers, young and old, all over the city. We need to be as flexible and adaptable as the city’s residents. It only makes sense that we expand the hours of operation so that we can serve as many people as we can,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “This is a great step forward, and I thank NYC Parks for their dedication to make this happen.”

“These nine recreation centers are anchors for the neighborhoods they serve — and now New Yorkers of all ages will have expanded access to them on evenings and weekends,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Thanks to $7.1 million in new funding from Mayor Adams, people who live in the areas most impacted by COVID-19 will benefit from safe, welcoming spaces and positive programming. And we’re proud to partner with sister agencies to expand the Saturday Night Lights program, which has proved to have positive and lasting impacts on our youth.”

The following recreation centers will now offer expanded evening and weekend hours:   

Bronx 

• Hunts Point Recreation Center: Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Kwame Ture Recreation Center: Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Brooklyn

• St. John’s Recreation Center: Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – Midnight; Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Manhattan

• Alfred E. Smith Recreation Center: Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Hansborough Recreation Center: Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Highbridge Recreation Center: Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Queens

• Roy Wilkins Recreation Center: Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM 
• Sorrentino Recreation Center: Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Staten Island

• Lyons Recreation Center: Monday to Friday 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM; Saturday 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Recreation centers with expanded operating hours will also offer additional programming, including Saturday Night Lights, organized in conjunction with the New York City Police Department, New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, New York City Department of Education, and the city’s five District Attorney’s Offices.

Saturday Night Lights provides young people in underserved neighborhoods with safe and engaging activities and a productive place to gather during evening hours. Participating youth get free membership and access to the many programs and activities available at all recreation centers citywide.

Extended hours will also support other programs, including but not limited to volleyball, board game tournaments, high-intensity interval training, painting, double dutch, basketball, and strength training.

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

Citywide memberships for adults ages 25-61 are $150 annually. Memberships are $25 per year for veterans, seniors, and those living with disabilities and free for youth and young adults 24 and under.

Hours of operation for recreation centers across the city vary by location. Please visit NYC Parks’ Recreation Centers page for more information.

“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.”

“Providing our teens and young adults with safe spaces to recreate is so critical to their early development into adulthood,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “In expanding the evening and weekend hours of the Hunts Point and Kwame Ture Recreational Facilities, children in neighborhoods with limited access to after-school and weekend activities will now have access to fitness programming, exercise equipment, and so much more that will keep them engaged and out of harm’s way. I want to thank Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue for their commitment to ensuring our youth have the resources they need to live healthy and productive lives and for investment in our recreational facilities.”