If the reaction is any indication, the recent renovation of the Sportspark facility by Shelton Haynes and the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation is a smashing success. Since it reopened in May , the 44,300-square-foot athletics complex has received an outpouring of visitors, and many have enjoyed its overhauled offerings with enthusiasm.
“I’ve heard from so many residents here who have been thrilled with the changes we made. They can’t believe it’s the same place,” says Shelton Haynes, CEO of Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. “It looks different, it feels different, and it’s all for the better. I couldn’t be prouder of the way this project turned out.”
The improvements cover both the inside and outside of the facility. And now that temperatures have started to dip, Haynes expects the Sportspark to welcome even more visitors who hope to get fit or stay healthy during the colder months.
What’s Changed?
The $12 million face-lift included updates to several aspects of Sportspark, many targeting the areas that were most in need of modernization. The renovations include not only refreshed spaces for exercise, fitness classes, and team sports, but also address more practical concerns, such as an upgraded heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system, energy-efficient lighting solutions, and a modernized reception area and check-in area system.
Members and regular users of Sportspark have also expressed excitement over the quality-of-life improvements to the center’s core mission: providing island residents and visitors with a first-class space for recreation.
Those include but aren’t limited to, nicer indoor furniture and a redesigned layout that maximizes use. Even the building’s exterior received an updated look to better reflect the modern equipment and setup.
New or updated features include:
— An updated fitness center. The new space features cutting-edge workout equipment that’s easy to use, safe, and accessible for users at all fitness levels. The center is split between a room dedicated to machines and cardio equipment, such as treadmills and stationary bikes, and a room dedicated to free weights.
— A new pool. Measuring 75 feet long and heated to a temperature between 78 to 83 degrees year-round, the new water facility is about half the length of an Olympic swimming pool. It’s divided into six wide lanes that can accommodate seven users each and ranges from a depth of 3.5 feet to 8.5 feet.
— A renovated gymnasium. The 8,700-square-foot gym features a full, professional-size basketball court that also includes soccer goals. The space features six basketball hoops to accommodate full-court games as well as multiple half-court games, drills, and practice sessions.
— A recreational game room. This area offers guests a space to buy snacks and drinks from vending machines, play tabletop games like air hockey and table tennis, and relax in comfortable lounge-style seats.
— Completely overhauled locker rooms, showers, and restrooms. These fresh amenities are fully updated to better serve users.
— An upgraded fitness studio. The fitness studio is where Sportspark’s fitness classes, such as Zumba and yoga, are regularly held. It’s also available for meetings and events.
— Updated common areas. Featuring a more intuitive design and more comfortable furniture, the redesigned common areas make spending time at Sportspark a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Membership
In keeping with the inclusive and welcoming nature of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, the Sportspark facility is accessible, open, and welcoming to all people, said RIOC CEO Shelton Haynes.
“We are pleased to offer competitive prices that allow our residents and guests to use the renovated Sportspark complex without breaking the family budget,” he says. “We had always hoped the facility would become a center of island activity and a community gathering spot, and we are pleased that by offering affordable pricing for our resident memberships in the heart of New York City, we’ve helped make that dream a reality.”
Adult memberships for island residents cost $30 per month. They allow access to the complex’s full stable of amenities, including the swimming pool, basketball court, fitness center, recreation room, and locker rooms. Those who don’t live on Roosevelt Island can purchase nonresident adult memberships for $70 per month to receive the same level of benefits and
access.
Similarly, memberships for seniors 65 and over and people with disabilities include access to all amenities and cost $25 per month.
For teens ages 13 to 17, membership prices are $15 per month. Those between the ages of 15 and 17 have complete access to the facility, while those who are 13 and 14 aren’t able to access the fitness center and studio. To qualify for a membership, all teens must sign up at the Sportspark facility and be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Child memberships are available for those aged 12 and under. These memberships are free but can only be added to existing adult or senior membership plans. While in the facility, child members must always be accompanied by adults. Child members are restricted from using the fitness center and studio.
All memberships run monthly, with charges occurring on the first of each month.
Sportspark also allows nonmembers to use many of its amenities through a one-day pass, which costs $15 for adults and $10 for those 17 and under. These single-day passes can be purchased directly at the complex’s reception area as often as needed. Single-day passes include access to the pools, fitness center, and gym, but don’t allow access to classes held in the fitness studio.
