The Gertrude Ederle Rec Center before Covid. Photo via NYC Parks.
Recreation centers run by the Parks Department are reopening on Monday, and they’ve got a special offer for New Yorkers. You can get a free year of access if you sign up by December 31, as long as you’re vaccinated.
The membership term lasts for one year from the date when you sign up, and will grant access to rec centers citywide.
On the Upper West Side, the most amenity-filled facility is the Gertrude Ederle Rec Center at 232 West 60th Street. It has a gym, pool, basketball court, multimedia room and more. The pool may not reopen immediately.
There’s also a rec center around 97th Street in Central Park, though it’s more limited. There are handball and basketball courts outside and locker rooms and a multipurpose room inside.
To use the facilities, you have to follow health and safety rules:
In order to keep our members and employees safe and healthy, we ask that you help us prevent the spread of COVID-19. When using a recreation center, please make sure that you:
- Stay home if you are sick
- Maintain six feet of physical distance
- Wear an acceptable face covering
- Wash your hands often
You will be asked to complete a health screening and your temperature will be taken before you enter the facility. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required, for those who are eligible, to enter recreation centers, and mask-wearing is required for all. In addition, equipment has been arranged to promote social distancing, and shared equipment will be cleaned frequently.
I am already a member of this rec center.
Do I have to make an appointment before hand to be able to enter and use the center?
You say one can get a free year membership “as long as you’re vaccinated.” Well…you must know that the entire Postal Office employees, the Congress members and a number of other institutions and groups ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BE VACCINATED! By punishing individuals despite the above hypocritical disparities….is not going to prevent the spread of the pandemic. 🙂