Williamsburg residents fight to reopen only affordable pool and gym
The center, which houses one of the few affordable pools and gyms in the area, shut down in January.
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Williamsburg residents are calling on the city to reopen the Metropolitan Recreation Center, nearly six months after it abruptly closed its doors due to mechanical issues.
The center, which houses one of the few affordable pools and gyms in the area, shut down in January. Since then, members say they’ve received little to no communication about when it will reopen.
“There’s been nothing. I checked the website, still nothing,” said Mel, a regular member.
The city’s Parks Department says the pool’s air circulation system is being upgraded and that additional testing is required before the facility can safely reopen. A department spokesperson told News 12 they hope to reopen the center this summer.
Still, members say the lack of updates has left them frustrated.
“If we at least had some more visibility of what’s been going on, I think there would be a little more understanding,” said Julia, another member.
Members have launched a petition demanding a clear timeline and reached out to Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez for support.
In the meantime, some residents say they’re being forced to seek more expensive alternatives or travel much farther to access other Parks facilities.
“In terms of community, I think it’s a huge loss,” Julia added.
