Photo Courtesy of Google
Sorrentino Recreation Center in Far Rockaway.
By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Sue Donoghue on Monday announced that nine recreation centers across the five boroughs now have expanded operating hours.
The increase was made possible with $7.1 million in funding 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.
In Queens, the following recreation centers will now offer expanded evening and weekend hours:
- Roy Wilkins Recreation Center in Jamaica: 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 in Far Rockaway: Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 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.
“Recreation centers and the programming they offer change lives and ensure our young people are not left behind,” said 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.”
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.
“Recreational centers provide safety, refuge, and a place to grow for the youth of our city,” said Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven). “Youth in extracurricular activities are 57 percent less likely to drop out of school and 49-percent less likely to use drugs. Today, Mayor Adams expands recreation center hours, makes membership free up to age 24, and adds sports and arts programming, creating a nurturing environment for our children to flourish during the after-school hours. This is a game-changing opportunity for at-risk youth to become healthy in mind and body, succeed in school, and foster lifelong friendships, setting them on a path to success.”
Hours of operation for recreation centers across the city vary by location. Visit NYC Parks Recreation Centers page for more information.
