Mayor Mamdani Delivers $20.7 Million Renovation to St. Mary’s Recreation Center

Modernized Bronx recreation center features redesigned lobby, new elevator, new staffing and critical safety upgrades to expand programs and services  

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura today reopened St. Mary’s Recreation Center in the Bronx following a $20.7 million renovation that makes the historic community center safer, more accessible and better equipped to serve Bronxites for generations to come.  

  

The renovation reconstructed the center’s façade, entrance and lobby, repaired its pool — the only indoor public pool operated by NYC Parks in the Bronx — and made the facility fully accessible with a new elevator and widened door frames. 

  

The Mayor’s Executive Budget funded 33 new positions at St. Mary’s, ensuring the facility has the staff it needs to offer programming, maintain the center and serve the community for generations.  

 

“St. Mary’s is more than a recreation center. It is a place where Bronx families come to swim, exercise and spend time with their community,” said Mayor Mamdani. “This $20.7 million capital investment keeps this public space safe, accessible and open to everyone, with a new elevator, critical safety upgrades and repairs to the pool. Further, we have added 33 new staff positions, and we’re giving St. Mary’s what it needs to serve Bronxites for years to come.” 

 

“St. Mary’s Recreation Center has been a cornerstone of this neighborhood for generations, and today we are proud to open its doors again,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “This renovation makes the building safer, more welcoming and accessible to everyone, from our youngest neighbors to our seniors. With a new lobby, a new elevator and added staffing to support programs, this center is ready to serve the community. We are grateful to our partners and to the residents whose voices helped shape this project.”

 

Safety and code upgrades include a new fire alarm system throughout the center, repairs to the boiler and heat distribution system and upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems, including new electrical switchgear.  

  

Inside the center, the project reconstructed the men’s and women’s bathrooms on the second floor, as well as staff areas and a staff bathroom on the ground floor. The center also received new fitness equipment, upgraded flooring in select areas and enhanced lighting throughout the facility.   

 

The project significantly improves accessibility at St. Mary’s. A new elevator provides ADA access to the upper floors, while widened door frames throughout the building make it easier for visitors of all abilities to navigate the center. The center’s pool also received critical repairs to the pool deck by in-house Parks crews. 

  

St. Mary’s has been a center of public recreation in the Bronx for generations. In 1951, New York City opened its first full-service indoor recreation center at St. Mary’s as part of a citywide effort to provide New Yorkers with places to play, exercise and gather during the colder months. Designed by the architectural firm Brown, Lawford, and Forbes, the building originally included an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, locker and shower rooms and meeting rooms for classes and community programs.