Sunset Park Rec Center set to reopen later this year
The facility closed in 2023 to undergo construction, which included restoring the rotunda and installing a new HVAC system.
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The Sunset Park Recreation Center is expected to reopen after years of renovations.
The facility closed in 2023 to undergo construction, which included restoring the rotunda and installing a new HVAC system.
The Parks Department website said the $11.5 Million project faced several delays due, in part, to COVID-19-related impacts. A spokesperson also told News 12 that the city paused construction during pool season so residents could access the facility.
Julio Pena, chairperson of Community Board 7, said the project was scheduled for 18 months and turned into almost three years.
"They give us one timeline, it turns out to be completely different; and the community is left with an empty bag of promises," said Pena.
Pena said the renovations are vital because it's not only about having a pool and a gym, but it's about giving the community the resources that they need.
"Sunset Park is already very limited in the public spaces we have and community centers, and not having this place open really impacts all of us," said Pena.
"It does represent a really important community center and place for people to move around, especially those with less resources," said Owen MacDonnell, of Sunset Park.
"We have the YMCA, but that's in Park Slope, so it's a little hike to get there,” said Jonathan, of Sunset Park, who only provided his first name. “Everybody who lives around the area definitely looks forward to coming [to the Sunset Park Rec Center]."
The Parks Department website said the center is now expected to reopen this February, while a spokesperson told News 12 that it will open this spring.
