Brady PieperThe Tony Dapolito Recreation Center in New York City’s West Village will be rebuilt and renovated under Mayor Eric Adams’ proposed executive budget.
The mayor’s budget proposal for fiscal year (FY) 2026 includes nearly $52 million to reconstruct the aging facility, located off Clarkson Street at 7th Avenue South. Bolstering the mayor’s proposal, the recreation center revitalization project will highlight more than a decade of future capital improvements on roads, bridges, schools and transportation systems throughout New York City.
Due to structural concerns, the city closed the Tony Dapolito Center in 2019. City officials and the NYC Parks Department initially sought to stabilize the facility, but with rising project costs, the more than 100-year-old recreation center is slated for a replacement.
Prior to its closure, the existing recreation center served as a hub for community, sports, education, public health and gathering. The historic center featured pools, indoor and outdoor sports fields, fitness rooms, childcare services, a playground and a media center, among other activities and multipurpose rooms.
The mayor’s budget proposal will support the demolition of the existing structure on Clarkson Street, replacing the center as part of a mixed-use development across the street. The mixed-use development, the 388 Hudson Street project, will be comprised of affordable housing units and a modernized recreation center with an indoor pool. NYC Parks is currently accepting open Requests for Proposals on 388 Hudson Street until May 23.
Mayor Adams’ executive budget proposal, titled the “Best Budget Ever,” seeks to make transformative investments that improve safety, housing affordability, workforce development and innovative green and recreational spaces. The Adams administration will negotiate the budget proposal with the City Council before final adoption, which is anticipated in July.
Similar to the Tony Dapolito project, the $115.1 billion budget features long-term funding for several new and existing capital improvement projects, including:
- $250 million for the Future of Fifth project between Bryant Park and Central Park. The funding will support the development of a pedestrian-friendly boulevard.
- $169.1 million for maintenance and renovations on three city library systems. The projects will purchase and install heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems while renovating the Seward Park Library branch.
- $109.3 million for the reconstruction and renovation of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal and advancement of the “Harbor of the Future” initiative.
- $42 million for the construction of a pedestrian bridge at East 25th Street that spans over FDR Drive.
- $28.3 million for improvements to public waterfront access near Hunts Point Market.
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Tdorante10 via Wikimedia Commons
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