RIOC Listens To Roosevelt Island Community And Offers Free Access Hours To Swimming Pool, Fitness And Yoga Program For Seniors At Sportspark Recreational Center - It Was "A Team Effort With Good Outcome" Says Older Adult Center Director Lisa Fernandez

During the April 3 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors meeting Public Session, Roosevelt Island resident Mary McCechan and Carter Burden Network Roosevelt Island Older Adult Center Director Lisa Fernandez asked RIOC to implement a free access program for use by limited income Roosevelt Island seniors at the Sportspark pool 

and recreational center.

According to Ms McCechan:

... Older adults are the nations fastest growing population. The number of older adults in the State has ballooned. In New York City in this next deck decade, the number of older adults will surpass the number of children for the first time in history.

Governments and responsible community agencies are realigning and preparing policy and programs for these changing demographics across this nation.

The most serious challenges for older adults center on isolation, health, well-being and living on a fixed income. 

The pool at SportsPark can address all these challenges. Yet for older adults, the utilization of the pool has dropped by almost 47% from 285 to the current registration of 151. 

Given our current inflation rate, living on a fixed income has become particularly difficult. Cost is the biggest stated reason for older adults, not using the pool.

Traditionally during non-peak hours, there have always been free pool hours for the seniors on Roosevelt Island. We are asking that free hours for senior swimming be reestablished. 

This is about community building and as stakeholders together we can help ensure that older adults are active and engaged members of the Roosevelt Island community....

RIOC listened and yesterday announced a program providing free access for Roosevelt Island seniors at the Sportspark. According to RIOC Communications Director Bryant Daniels:

A few weeks ago, several island seniors met with our Constituent Services Department to discuss ways to improve senior utilization of Sportspark, specifically in the pool, which has always been a popular destination. It was a productive meeting, with our Constituent Services Department stating they would take the feedback back to Sportspark for review, and the Senior group indicating they would also bring it up at the next meeting of the RIOC Board of Directors. Following those events, the Sportspark team put together this new plan to offer free swim periods for island seniors on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 am to 2 pm, starting April 15th. Additionally, for seniors who want to get active but may not want to swim, we’re also now offering a free afternoon yoga chair class every Tuesday from 12 pm to 12:45 pm in the Sportspark fitness studio. Seniors interested in taking advantage of these special program periods simply need to show ID at the Sportspark desk for proof of age. 

 We understand that many seniors are on a fixed income, and although Sportspark is already incredibly well-priced, we thought it was important to make these additional services available for older adults in the community who may have been on the fence about visiting the Sportspark complex.

I asked Mr Daniels:

How come if you use this program, you can’t use during other hours?

Mr Daniels replied:

We still have the reduced rate of $25 per month for seniors to use the facility anytime, whenever they want. These special hours and programs are designed for folks on a more limited fixed income, during hours we think will be popular.

Carter Burden Roosevelt Island Older Adult Center Director Lisa Fernandez adds:

This was a team effort; Mary McCechan, Elizabeth Berg, Ronnye Halper and myself originally met with Bryant Daniels & Amanda Dominguez.

They were very receptive and willing to listen. I’m really happy the older adult community has additional opportunities to stay fit and active.

Also, pleased that RIOC has been very open and communicative.

Again, a team effort with a good outcome! 

 Here's Ms McCechan and Ms Fenandez speaking at the April 3 RIOC Board meeting Public Session.

Kudos to the new Interim RIOC leadership of Deputy General Counsel Gerrald Ellis, Chief Financial Officer Dhru Amin, RIOC Board member Howard Polivy and the rest of the RIOC Board for listening and engaging with the Roosevelt Island residents to better serve our community.

The Sportspark recreational facility was re-opened  May 19, 2023 after a $12 million renovation and an initial huge increase in fee schedule imposted by the prior RIOC administration which was reversed after widespread community protest.

Come along on a tour of the Sportspark recreational facility given during its May 19 re-opening ceremony. 

More info on the Roosevelt Island Sportspark recreational facility programs, schedules and fees at the RIOC website.

RIOC Public Safety Department And NYPD 114 Precinct Host Roosevelt Island 3 On 3 Co-ed Teen Basketball Tournament At Sportspark Last Saturday - Watch The Exciting And Competitve Game Action Leading Up To The Gold Medal Finals

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Sportspark Director Joe Natale reports:  

On Saturday January 20th, Roosevelt Island's Public Safety Department (PSD), in conjunction with the NYPD 114th Precinct, hosted its second 3 on 3 co-ed teen basketball tournament at Sportspark. With 8 teams

all vying for the gold medal, the games were competitive, hard fought, and most importantly, fun!  

In the preliminary rounds, team “No Hablo Ingles” ran the gambit winning all 7 of their games and securing the #1 seed. The round robin tournament was a much closer battle, where “No Hablo Ingles” met the well-coached #3 seed “Sweet Yams” in the gold medal game. In a tightly contested, highly defensive game, “No Hablo Ingles” squeaked out the win by a mere 2 points to secure the gold championship medals. 

We congratulate Matthew Matias, Noel Perez, and Carmelo Valentine on a job well done and look forward to hosting more teen tournaments in the future!  

We also would like to give a special thank you to all of the RIOC departments that made this tournament come to life, including Public Safety, Communications, Operations, Youth Center, and Sportspark.  

All photos by RIOC Director of Communications & Community Affairs Bryant Daniels and PSD.

Mr Daniels adds:

We hope to host more starting in the Spring, open to both island and off-island teens. These events are designed to bolster community policing efforts on the island and help build bonds between island residents and the corporation, particularly our dedicated PSD Officers.

 Watch the action from the Roosevelt Island 3 on 3 Co-ed Teen Basketball tournament.

And the Gold Medal finals game.

Thanks to Yitza Martinez for the videos.

Take a tour of the renovated Roosevelt Island Sportspark facility reopened last May.

Long Delayed Roosevelt Island $12 Million Renovated Sportspark Recreational Facility Opens To Public Last Friday - Watch Video Of Grand Opening Ceremony And Take A Virtual Tour Of Swimming Pool, Basketball Court, Fitness Center, Game Room & Locker Rooms

The long delayed re-opening of the $12 million renovated Roosevelt Island Sportspark recreational facility took place last Friday May 19. 

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes, Congressman Jerry Nadler, RIOC Board Member Howard Polivy and RIOC Sportspark Director Joseph Natale were among those who spoke at the Sportpark Grand Re-opening ribbon cutting ceremony to a crowd of residents and RIOC staff.

According to RIOC President Haynes:

... Sportspark is a deeply important part of the Roosevelt Island fabric. Since 1977 the facility has provided the community with a place to exercise, play, gather and have fun but over time it has deteriorated to the degree that it required a significant well-capitalized overhaul.

When we closed the aging complex for this improvement for this important renovation work we understood the hardships and polls in the community but we also knew that when the Sportspark finally reopened, the transformation would be incredible and well worth the wait. 

Now everyone can enjoy the state of the art facility with memberships affordably priced. 

Once you tour the facility, I'm certain you will instantly fall in love with the look and feel of our latest investment and learn about all the exciting things the Sportspark has to offer... 

Congressman Nadler:

... I'm thrilled to be here on Roosevelt Island on such a celebratory day. 

The re-opening Sportspark is an exciting opportunity for Roosevelt Islanders to partake in a variety of Fitness, Sports and Wellness activities in a newly renovated facility.

My staff and I have begun to meet with residents of this unique community and learned about the importance of spaces like Sportspark that make Roosevelt Island a special place to live. I'm glad that RIOC listened to community members and elected officials about the need to maintain affordable membership fees so that Sportspark can remain accessible for Roosevelt Island residents to enjoy all it has to offer.

Thank you and congratulations to oil on this great occasion. 

 RIOC Board Director Howard Polivy:

This is a wonderful day. We proud to open this renewed facility for Roosevelt Island.

Many of you have been here over the years you remember the deteriorating shape, you remember the locker rooms with 15 layers of paint, you remember areas that were simply not usable or not used. That's all changed. I think you'll be very excited when you see everything different inside, also everything the same inside

The  facilities basically where they were but upgraded improved made usable for all of you. The best reward we on the RIOC board would have would be full use of this facility. We  built it from a vision of renewing something which was falling apart, underutilized, needing heat, hot water, air conditioning to something now state-of-the-art for everyone's use.

Again the RIOC is proud to be able to open this facility we're proud of our small role in this process overseeing the various changes as they came and we're glad to be here on this bright sunny day to see it open.

Thank you to the community for your advocacy and for your interests and thank you later for your use... 

and Sportspark Director Joseph Natale:

Hello Roosevelt Island community

Before I touch upon the facility upgrades, I want to give a huge thank you for all the departments at RIOC who came together to make this project possible and I also want to give a special thank you to our Sports Park team right over here who are very very excited and enthusiastic to serve our communities health and wellness goals.

Prior to the extensive renovations, SportsPark was in desperate need of key repairs to existing amenities as well as the addition of new ones. Some of the highlighted features of the new Sportspark include updated locker rooms, a brand new regulation size hardwood basketball court which can also be utilized for indoor volleyball indoor soccer and handball.We also re-imagined an unused space and turned it into a state-of- the-art fitness center as well as added a recreation room where we have tabletop games such as ping pong, table tennis, pool and air hockey. 

Lastly, the mainstay of Sportspark is the pool. It needed much needed upgrades and what we've done there is add a new lighting, new HVAC, resurface the pool floor as well as added a brand new pool deck. I think you guys are going to really like what you see today.

We've also added programs such as weekly indoor soccer and volleyball. We've added family swim time, family basketball time and teen basketball time and starting in July we'll begin to enroll our residents and members into our swim programs as well.

We're extremely proud of the facility you're about to walk through and hope to see our residents enjoying the space for years to come. 

After this ribbon is cut, everyone is free to make their way over to the west side entrance where we'll begin our bulk touring groups....

Thank you very much. 

RIOC President Shelton Haynes then declared May 19 to be Roosevelt Island Sportspark Day. 

Watch the full Sportspark re-opening ceremony,

the ribbon cutting and then follow along on a tour of the renovated Roosevelt Island Sportspark recreational center with Sportspark Director Joseph Natale.

Here's the Sportspark membership pricing schedule 

and more info at the Sportspark website.

Roosevelt Island Pickleball Grand Opening Today, RIOC President Thanks Residents For Their Advocacy And They Return The Thanks For Listening And Opening The 2 Outdoor Pickleball Courts - Watch Video Of The Ribbon Cutting And Play

Today was a good day for Roosevelt Island residents with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony marking the Grand Opening of 2 new Pickleball Courts next to the Sportspark recreational facility followed by the inaugural games being played. 

Vicki Feinmel and Lorraine Altman first advocated to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes last October to bring Pickleball to Roosevelt Island. I spoke to Ms Feinmel, Ms Altman, Joyce Short and Gloria Herman after their first Roosevelt Island Pickleball game today.

The Pickleball courts are free and open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset. Ms Short notes that the Roosevelt Island Seniors Association (RISA) will have a beginners Pickleball program Tuesday and Thursday mornings for its members.

RIOC President Shelton Haynes reported during the Grand Opening Ceremony:

... So many things happen in the community because of advocacy from the residents. We appreciate that. We're listening. We're trying to make sure that we accommodate the best we can. This is one of the many accommodations you can see that we're actually moving forward, so thank you.

Ms Feinmel noted:

I'd like to thank Shelton and the RIOC board for our two new beautiful Pickleball courts 

Every time I saw Shelton either on the street or at a meeting I would bring up Pickleball. I nagged and nagged and nagged until it was a final go. We are thrilled the courts are open and ready to play even though it took a while, it was well worth the wait. again. I want to thank RIOC and of course I hope that we will be able to get courts for the Winter indoors.

And Ms Short added:

... Everybody knows I think that exercise is really crucial it's the Fountain of Youth and we particularly thank Shelton and the Board for standing behind the fitness and the health of all of our population...

Here's the full Roosevelt Island Pickleball Grand Opening Ceremony.

and the Roosevelt Island Pickleball Court rules.

The Sportspark recreational facility Grand Opening in next Friday May 19.

RIOC Announces May 19 As Opening Date For Long Delayed $12 Million Renovated Sportpark Recreational Facility - "We Have Won" Says Roosevelt Island Resident After RIOC Forced By Community Protest And Local Politicians To Reduce Monthly Fee From $125 To $30

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced yesterday that the long delayed opening of the $12 million renovated Sportspark recreational facility is finally scheduled to open May 19.

According to RIOC:

Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s President & CEO Shelton J. Haynes today announced revised pricing plans for the highly anticipated Sportspark Complex that reflect RIOC’s commitment to ensuring all island residents and visitors can enjoy what this remarkable, newly renovated facility has to offer. The facility’s grand re-opening is now scheduled for May 19, 2023....

The initial Sportspark pricing plan announced by RIOC was not one in which all or even most Roosevelt Island residents could afford.

Roosevelt Island residents protested when RIOC announced last February the new pricing structure for the renovated Sportspark which was unaffordable to many in the community. As reported February 23:

Roosevelt Island residents were outraged that RIOC's new Sportspark pricing structure was more in line with a privately owned Equinox Gym than an affordable community recreational center.... began a petition to protest RIOC's new Sportspark fee structure...

Local politicians including NY State Senator Liz Kreuger, NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright and NYC Council Member Julie Menin supported Roosevelt Island residents in calling for RIOC to reduce the Sportspark pricing structure to an affordable level. They exerted pressure on NY State Governor Kathy Hochul and NY State Commissioner of Homes and Community Renewal/RIOC Board Chair RuthAnne Visnauskas to force RIOC staff to reduce their planned fee structure.

These efforts were successful. 

The new Sportspark fee structure announced yesterday reduces the previously announced fee of $125 monthly for an adult Roosevelt Island resident to $30 monthly and Roosevelt Island Senior/Disabled rates have gone down from $99 monthly to $25 monthly.

Here's the new Sportspark pricing structure.

Upon learning of the revised Sportspark pricing structure, Roosevelt Island resident and Sportspark user Volker Hage writes:

WE HAVE WON!

I think we can be a bit proud as a community - RIOC changed the Sportspark pricing and lists the monthly fee of $30. Before the pandemic we paid $300 / year, so I would say it’s equivalent. The discount for seniors is minimal though...

Roosevelt Island resident, Sportspark swimmer and organizer of the Sportspark petition drive Roberta Kleiman reports:

The Resident Adult rate is a very reasonable increase, which I’m very pleased about.

However, I am extremely disappointed by the senior/disabled rates. This is insulting to these groups and is a much higher percentage than they pay at Riverbank State park and at the NYC Recreation Centers. The drop in fee is also out of reach for many and way above the Riverbank State Park Fees.

It’s great that the rates for children and teens are relatively low, but I think seniors/disabled are being unfairly treated. This is just plain wrong!

However, even with a “reasonable” increase increase (from $300/year to $360/year) I will likely have to keep swimming at the NYC Recreation Centers. I pay $25/year, have access to all city indoor pools, and all recreation centers which offer a wide variety of programs.

I sincerely hope RIOC be fair to seniors/disabled and lower the monthly fee to half of the adult fee.

According to NY State Senator Liz Krueger

This is great news for many reasons! am very pleased that the Roosevelt Island community spoke out and that RIOC listened to their voices and has proposed Sportspark rates that are affordable ensuring that Sportpark remains widely available for Roosevelt Islanders to enjoy.

And NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright:

The Sportspark is a hub for our community and I look forward to the reopening for all Roosevelt Islanders to benefit from healthy fitness and sports activities. I am pleased to see that the new fee structure we fought for is more affordable and more equitable for residents. 

And NYC Council Member Julie Menin:

Roosevelt Islanders deserve a central hub of wellness and fitness that is affordable and RIOC’s adjusted pricing fees for the newly-renovated Sportspark are much more reasonable. Burdensome fees should not be a deterrent from recreation and I appreciate that RIOC has listened to the advocacy of Roosevelt Islanders and elected officials to make changes to the fee structure. I look forward to the reopening of the facility.

RIOC adds:

... “We heard you loud and clear when it came to pricing our Sportspark memberships, and we’ve come up with a plan that we feel puts affordability and access first for island residents,” said Shelton J. Haynes, President and CEO of RIOC. “While adjusting the prices did require us to rethink some of our programming ideas, ultimately what we at RIOC want most is for everyone to be able to enjoy the incredible $12 million renovation that, when finally open to the public, is going to blow people away. I look at the before and after photos of the pool, the basketball courts, the locker rooms, and I can’t believe it’s the same building. The transformation is truly stunning and I’m excited for people to finally see the finished product starting at our grand re-opening on May 19th. Sportspark is going to quickly reestablish itself as a central hub for island activity, a perfect place to work out and have fun, and a destination for people to explore and enjoy from all corners of the city.”

Resident Adult Memberships (island residents ages 18+) will now be $30-per-month and come with total access to the complex’s full complement of amenities, including the swimming pool, basketball court, fitness center, recreation room, and locker rooms. Non-resident Adult Memberships will be $70-per-month and come with the same access to the Complex’s full amenities.

The Seniors (ages 65+) and Disabled membership rate is now set at $25-per-month and comes with complete access to the complex’s amenities. For Teens (ages 13-17), pricing is set at $15-per-month. Teens ages 15-17 will have complete access to the facility, while teens ages 13 and 14 will have access to everything except the fitness center and studio. To qualify, Teens must sign-up for their memberships in-person accompanied by a parent or guardian, and Seniors must provide proof of identity and age.

Child Memberships (ages 12 and under) for Sportspark will be free of charge and must be added to an existing Adult or Senior Membership plan. While in Sportspark, Child Members must always be accompanied by adults and are restricted from using the fitness center and studio for safety purposes.

For those looking to experience all that Sportspark has to offer sporadically without a membership, daily rates for adults (ages 18+) are set at $15, while the children’s (ages 17 and under) daily rate will be $10. (Parents or guardians must be present to sign a waiver for child drop-in members).

RIOC will begin offering tours of the facility on May 19th every half hour from 2pm to 7pm. RIOC will also offer tours every half hour on Saturday May 20th and Sunday May 21st from 10am to 3pm. After opening weekend, tours will be regularly offered every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7:30am-9:30am, 12pm-2pm, 5pm-7pm. You can schedule your tours now by visiting our link: https://calendly.com/sportsparkri/sportspark-tour

Major improvements to the facility include:

• A state-of-the-art fitness center;
• A new pool & and elevated amenities;
• Upgraded HVAC & Lighting;
• Installation of energy-efficient systems;
• A reimagined gymnasium;
• A recreational game room;
• Brand-new locker rooms;
• Brand-new single & family restrooms;
• Brand-new showers;
• A fitness studio;
• Event function space;
• Renovated common areas;
• A reception check-in system; and
• Resurfacing of the building’s façade.

Sportspark hours are Monday to Friday 7 AM to 8 PM Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM.

Roosevelt Island Pickleball Courts Look Ready To Open, But When? RIOC Says Grand Opening For Sportspark Recreational Facility Coming In May And Will Announce An Affordable Fee Structure For All Patrons

It looks like the Roosevelt Island Pickleball Courts outside the Sportspark recreational facility are about ready to open.

As I walked by the former Sportspark basketball court site today, I noticed the Pickleball netting had been put in place

as well as Pickleball Court General Rules And Regulation signage installed.

But when will the Sportspark recreational facility finally re-open?

As reported last March 9:

On February 23, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced huge increases in membership user fees for the Sportspark recreational facility which has been undergoing a purported $12 million renovation, was closed since September 2021 and incurred delay upon delay for its scheduled re-opening.

... Roosevelt Island residents began a petition to protest RIOC's new Sportspark fee structure with the support of local elected officials including Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright who said:

...The new Sportspark rates revealed yesterday by a 400% increase in a press release and without community input are shocking and unacceptable. I am calling on our Governor Hochul to intervene in the rate hikes pricing people out of Roosevelt Island. From parking to the pool, these hikes add insult to injury at an already consequential time for people’s pocketbooks.

Roosevelt Island residents were outraged that RIOC's new Sportspark pricing structure was more in line with a privately owned Equinox Gym than an affordable community recreational center.

Today, RIOC announced via Twitter and Instagram that they are suspending until further notice the price increases for Sportspark....

During the April 3 RIOC Board Of Directors President's Report, Shelton Haynes reported:

... We are planning a Grand Opening for Sportsark next month with the ribbon cutting. The building has now passed all inspections possible. 

We are also going to be going out with a new fee structure that is very affordable for all patrons and that will be announced in another week or so. Again we thank you for hearing your voices. The goal is to make sure this facility is very affordable for all....

More than a couple of weeks have passed since the April 3 RIOC Board meeting with no further word on the Sportspark opening or fee structure.

UPDATE 4/27 - According to a spokesperson for Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright:

Concerning Sportspark rates – RIOC will be making an announcement within the next week.

Weird Roosevelt Island Illustrates Absurdities Of RIOC Communications Spin With Story On Not Yet Open Sportspark Pickleball Courts And Storage Of Removed Basketball Hoops From Site

Reported last December: 

Roosevelt Island is joining the Pickleball Craze with 2 new outdoor courts installed by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) in the area behind Sportspark that used to be a basketball court....

But since then, there has been no word from RIOC when Roosevelt Island residents will be able to play Pickleball at the outdoor Sportspark courts, nor any word from RIOC when the Sportspark indoor recreational facility will re-open. 

The Weird Roosevelt Island Instagram Page has their own unique, humorous perspective illustrating the absurdities of RIOC communications spin with a story on the not yet open Sportspark Pickleball Courts and the storage of the removed basketball court hoops:

RIOC President and CEO Shelton J. Haynes is proud to announce the completion of Phase 6a of Mission: Pickleball, RIOC’s celebrated plan to bring pickleball to the people of Roosevelt Island. “We Found a Place To Ditch The old Basketball Hoops,” Haynes said in a RIOC press release. “This Historic Day Marks Another Leap Forward in Our Continued Efforts to Provide This Great Community the Popular Leisure Sports it Demands.”

Forgoing the typical multi-year waiting period for spots in Motorgate, the hoops will be stored near the outdoor space heaters in the Northtown Stuff Repository until they can be stripped of their paint and smelted down to raw ore at the RIOC Large Metalworks Forge.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Weird R.I. (@weirdrooseveltisland)

Humor reveals much that is true.

More on Weird Roosevelt Island, our version of the Onion, at prior post.

RIOC Suspends Huge Price Increase For The Roosevelt Island Sportpark Recreational Facility Today - Big Thank You To Residents Protesting Outrageous Fees And Local Politicians Who Pressured RIOC President To Rescind Price Increase

On February 23, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced huge increases in membership user fees for the Sportspark recreational facility 

which has been undergoing a purported $12 million renovation, was closed since September 2021 and incurred delay upon delay for its scheduled re-opening.

As previously reported, Roosevelt Island residents began a petition to protest RIOC's new Sportspark fee structure

with the support of local elected officials including Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright who said:

...The new Sportspark rates revealed yesterday by a 400% increase in a press release and without community input are shocking and unacceptable. I am calling on our Governor Hochul to intervene in the rate hikes pricing people out of Roosevelt Island. From parking to the pool, these hikes add insult to injury at an already consequential time for people’s pocketbooks.

Roosevelt Island residents were outraged that RIOC's new Sportspark pricing structure was more in line with a privately owned Equinox Gym than an affordable community recreational center.

Today, RIOC announced via Twitter and Instagram that they are suspending until further notice the price increases for Sportspark.

Big thank you to Roosevelt Island residents protesting the outrageous fees imposed by @RIOCny for use of the Sportspark recreational facility & local politicians who pressured @sheltonjhaynes to rescind the fees. @seawrightforny @JulieMenin @LizKrueger https://t.co/mQlo2HjpBp

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) March 9, 2023

Roberta Kleiman, the organizer of the Sportspark petition, reacts to RIOC's announcement:

I remain cautiously optimistic until I see that RIOC structures prices in line with other NYC and NY State Facilities. A small reduction from the first pricing structure would be UNSATISFACTORY. Also, I hope RIOC will consider separate pricing for pool only or gym only, as many residents requested this in the online petition.

Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright adds: 

I raised the question of Sportspark affordability at a budget hearing so I am pleased to see RIOC made the decision to heed our call suspending the proposed membership and permitting fees until further notice. The fight is not over. We have to stay engaged to ensure that any changes to the pricing structure is met with an open discourse, bringing all stakeholders to the table. Affordability and equitable access to essential services for Roosevelt Island residents is the highest priority. I am closely monitoring this and other matters of governance on Roosevelt Island.

RIOC made no announcement as to the new rates or when Sportspark will finally re-open. 

RIOC's Instagram page has pictures inside Sportspark. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@rooseveltislandny)

UPDATE 10:00 PM - Roosevelt Island's NY State Senator Liz Kreuger adds: 

I was proud to add my voice to the concerns raised by the community, and I'm glad to see that those concerns were heard, and that this public facility will continue to be widely available and affordable to the public.

DHCR Commissioner & RIOC Chairperson RuthAnne Visnauskas Says Recently Imposed Roosevelt Island Motorgate Parking Garage And Sportspark Rate Increases "Seem A Little Inconsistent" In Reply To Questions From Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright At State Budget Hearing Yesterday

As previously reported, NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright came out in support of Roosevelt Island residents objecting to the recent huge price increases announced by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) for use of the Sportspark recreational facility and the Motorgate Parking garage. On February 24, in response to my inquiry seeking comment, Ms Seawright replied:

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation has dropped the latest in a series of increases for Roosevelt Islanders. The new Sportspark rates revealed yesterday by a 400% increase in a press release and without community input are shocking and unacceptable. I am calling on our Governor Hochul to intervene in the rate hikes pricing people out of Roosevelt Island. From parking to the pool, these hikes add insult to injury at an already consequential time for people’s pocketbooks.

During the March 1 NY State Senate Budget hearing, Ms Seawright raised the issue of Sportspark and Motorgate price increases with NYS Division of Housing & Community Renewal (DHCR) Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas who is also the Chairperson of RIOC.

Ms Seawright asked Ms Visnauskas:

... We sent a letter recently with some questions about the newly implemented Motorgate garage fee and we got back a very disappointing and unacceptable letter... What I would like to do is set up a work group to examine this... I would ask that you comment on the garage  and the Sportspark...

Ms Visnauskas replied:

We would be happy to work with you on a Task Force and to have a larger conversation with the community about both the Parking and the Sports Center. We understand that it's a challenge and the rates seem a little inconsistent, so happy to work with you on it...

 

You can sign the petition protesting the RIOC Sportspark price hike here.

Also, during February 15 State Senate Hearing, Ms Seawright asked Mayor Adams about filling vacant RIOC Board seats.

Good job by Rebecca Seawright sticking up for Roosevelt Island residents.

Huge RIOC Sportspark Membership Rate Increase Shocking And Unacceptable Says Roosevelt Island NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, She Calls On Governor Hochul To Intervene And Stop Price Hike - Community Starts Protest Petition And RIOC Silent As Usual

As reported yesterday, Roosevelt Island residents have started a petition to protest 

the huge increase in membership user fees 

for the not yet opened renovated Sportspark recreation facility 

announced yesterday by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC).

Earlier today, I asked Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright:

Rioc announced yesterday their plans for the newly renovated Sportspark membership user fees once the facility reopens. 

The announced fees are huge increases over past practice and more typical of private luxury gym memberships such as Equinox or Crunch Fitness than a NY State or City public recreation center such as Riverbank or others. 

Residents have initiated a petition protesting the increase and asking for rates similar to other public facilities. 

Does Assembly Member Seawright have any comment on the matter?

Ms Seawright replied:

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation has dropped the latest in a series of increases for Roosevelt Islanders. The new Sportspark rates revealed yesterday by a 400% increase in a press release and without community input are shocking and unacceptable. I am calling on our Governor Hochul to intervene in the rate hikes pricing people out of Roosevelt Island. From parking to the pool, these hikes add insult to injury at an already consequential time for people’s pocketbooks.

As of 7:50 PM tonight,  226 people have signed the petition protesting the proposed RIOC Sportspark fees structure. Among the many comments to the RIOC proposed Sportpark rate increases are:

Achmed - Was supremely excited about the renovation and re-opening of the facility until I saw the price... Like seriously a LUXURY gym with state of the art equipment, spas, and boutique classes costs nearly the same as this gym. Terrible for the community. And terrible business model. No way non-residents will pay this fee when you can get a LUXURY gym across the tram: 

And for residents -- there just isn't remotely enough value in the new facility to justify the price. Especially considering many of the buildings on RI -- have basic gyms in the buildings. . Really hope someone talks sense into the management.

And more comments:

You can review and sign the petition here.

There has been no response from RIOC President Shelton Haynes and Communications Vice President Akeem Jamal to press inquires or the community petition.

Roosevelt Island Residents Start Petition Protesting Huge Price Increase Announced Today By RIOC For Use Of Sportspark Facility When It Reopens Following Long Delayed Renovation - Is Sportpark A Public Community Recreation Center Or Private Equinox Type Gym?

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) had some news today about the opening of the long delayed Sportspark recreational facility that was closed for renovations in September 2021 and scheduled to open in the Spring 2022, then Fall of 2022, then late Fall/Winter 2022, then late Winter 2023 and as of today early spring 2023. 

According to RIOC:

 ... Membership rates for the use of the facility will include access to the following amenities: swimming pool, basketball court, and recreational room. A promotional rate will be announced in advance of the building’s re-opening on a later date....

Roosevelt Island resident Roberta Kleinman was a regular user of the Sportspark pool before the renovations closed the facility and has been looking forward for it to reopen. Upon learning of the new RIOC Sportpark user fees, Ms Kleinman writes: 

I have no words! The pricing is COMPLETELY OUTRAGEOUS! It is no where near in line with other State or City facilities, and it is triple to approx. 10 times the amount of prices in March of 2020. I am angry and baffled! These prices are PUNITIVE!!! Not in line with a not-for-profit State run facility.

So for a Roosevelt Island adult we’ve gone from $300 to $1500 ($125x12) a year. That kind of increase is unprecedented and absurd. Plus there are many people, such as myself who are only interested in using the pool, and others who would be interested in the gym.

We, as a community have to stop this!

Ms Kleinman has started an online petition to protest the new Sportspark fee structure. According to the petition:

You can view and sign the petition here.

I asked RIOC President Shelton Haynes and Communications Vice President Akeem Jamal today:

I'm preparing a story on RIOC's announcement today regarding fees for use of the Sportspark facility.

What is RIOC's rationale for the pricing structure of fees?

A community petition has begun protesting the huge increase in fees for the Sportspark...

... Will RIOC have any comment for the Roosevelt Island community?

There has been no response from RIOC.

Comments about the Sportspark membership fees on the Roosevelt Islander Instagram page include:

• The new head comes from Equinox so not surprisingly treating this as a private gym rather than a public recreation center. The petition does a good job of comparing NYC Recreation Center rates and previous Sportspark rates to the new for profit / private gym. How out of touch can they possibly be?
• I was excited about this but that’s way, way too expensive and out of budget
• Insane
• Did y’all think it was gonna get cheaper after a 12 M dollar renovation
• Then they shouldn’t have spent that much. It’s still a state run recreation center and should be priced for the people who live here.
• Gym memberships in Manhattan are $120-$300 a month. Having a respectable athletic facility on the island is sorely needed. You get what you pay for.
• those are private companies like Equinox and others. Sportspark is a NY State recreational facility similar to Riverbank State Park. Why should Sportspark charge Equinox rates instead of Riverbank.
• These numbers would be more meaningful if you had membership projections for each category of member… profit margin… etc. Then you can look at ideas such as reducing costs for Seniors by increasing non-resident rates..etc.

Today's RIOC announcement adds:

Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s President & CEO Shelton J. Haynes today announced that renovations to the highly anticipated Sportspark Complex are now complete. The nearly $12M renovation that began in April 2021 is slated to reopen in early spring 2023.

“To say I am excited for the reopening of Sportspark would be an understatement – much like the community, I am eager to unveil the new facility,” says Shelton Haynes. “The recreation center is now so much more and will serve as a central hub for the community, emphasizing overall health, wellness, and fitness.”

 Major improvements to the facility include:

• A state-of-the-art fitness center;
• A new pool & and elevated amenities;
• Upgraded HVAC & Lighting;
• Installation of energy-efficient systems;
• A reimagined gymnasium;
• A recreational play area;
• Brand-new locker rooms;
• Brand-new single & family restrooms;
• Brand-new showers;
• A group Fitness Studio;
• Event function space;
• Renovated common areas;
• A reception check-in system; and
• Resurfacing of the building’s façade.

Mr. Haynes added, “Once the appropriate New York City inspections are complete, we will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the official opening of the Sportspark complex in the near future.”

RIOC's Instagram page has pictures inside Sportspark.

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Is the Roosevelt Island Sportspark facility a public recreational center like Riverbank State Park or a private gym like Equinox