A brand-spanking new recreational center is expected to open on 59th street and Amsterdam Avenue as soon as next month. But given the history of the center, don’t place your bets on it just yet.
The rec center, which features an indoor pool, a basketball court, an exercise gym, an aerobics room and a multi-purpose room, has been in the works for years and was expected to open at least two years ago. But it’s been delayed multiple times. When we first wrote about last month, it was expected to open in February. Councilwoman Gale Brewer said recently it will open April 11. But an employee told us today that it should open in late April (although that’s not guaranteed). The delay is apparently because of “paperwork.” The staff has already been hired.
It’s called the Gertrude Ederle Rec Center after the first woman to swim across the English Channel.
Either way, you can get a pass now by going to one of the other rec centers (once you’re a member at one, you can attend all city rec centers) or you can wait until the opening to get the pass. Membership costs $150 per year for adults and $25 per year for seniors. Youth membership is free.
