The city has secured $164 million for a new recreation center that will feature two swimming pools, an indoor gym, and open public spaces. This facility will replace the West Village Recreation Center from the 1980s, which gained some fame due to the artwork of Keith Haring.
Officials announced that this modern center will take the place of the old Tony Dapolit Recreation Center on Clarkson Street, which had been in operation for over a century before closing in 2021.
In a nod to history, the plan includes preserving the 18-foot mural painted by Haring in an outdoor pool in 1987, which had been a topic of concern regarding its future.
The new layout showcases more than 100,000 square feet, designed as a central space for recreation, culture, and fitness, according to the mayor’s office.
“This $164 million investment is set to reinvigorate a community that has always played a vital role in our city’s lineage,” Mayor Eric Adams remarked in a statement.
This project is significant for the now-closed Tony Dapolit pool, which local activists have worked to protect, especially the murals adorning the pool area.
“The initiative considers how to honor the location’s past, including the potential reuse of architectural elements from the original structures along Seventh Avenue and Clarkson Street,” city officials mentioned.
The city reiterated its commitment to restore the mural as part of the overall redevelopment vision.
This updated plan has emerged after an earlier proposal in May, which allocated $51 million for pool renovations—an amount many locals felt was insufficient.
The increased budget is partly due to a new 10-year capital strategy included in the recently passed urban budget. The total of $164 million encompasses the previously mentioned $51 million earmarked for upgrades to the Tony Dapolit facility.
“The initiative mirrors what community members have expressed a need for: holistic, free, and accessible recreation that fosters healthier, more connected neighborhoods.”
The activation plan encompasses the blocks bordered by Leroy, Hudson, Clarkson Streets, and Seventh Avenue, where the outdoor Aquatics Complex will be located. Adjacent fields to the west will remain intact.
Additionally, another recreation center is in the works for 388 Hudson Street. This will feature an indoor pool, accessible gym facilities, and programming areas.
A new outdoor public area, named Hudson Houston Plaza, will also be established to improve pedestrian access.
Hudson Houston Plaza is on track to enter a review phase for 388 Hudson, with officials aiming to choose developers by early 2026, separate from the outdoor pool project.
The outdoor pool will be a collaborative effort with the Department of Design and Construction, although it’s still unclear when construction will commence.
