#central-brooklyn

#central-brooklyn

The Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center officially opened to the public on February 10 in East Flatbush, becoming the first new Parks rec center in Central Brooklyn in more than a decade and the borough's largest facility. The $141 million center is expected to serve over 41,000 residents within a 15-minute walk or transit ride. Council Member Farah N. Louis, who spearheaded the project, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani led the grand opening on February 9 alongside local and state officials, including Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, State Senator Kevin Parker, and Assemblymembers Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and Monique Chandler-Waterman.

The Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center is Central Brooklyn's first recreation facility of its kind, featuring a full gym, indoor swimming pool, dance studio, culinary kitchen, media lab and an indoor track overlooking a full basketball court. Neighbors say the center fills a long-standing gap in community resources. 'There's been a lack of activities for children and adults,' said participant Tawana King. 'With the swimming, exercise and arts and crafts, it gives people a sense of belonging.'