Park Slope Armory Fitness Center -- don't hold your breath

Subject: Park Slope Armory Fitness Center -- don't hold your breath

The big opening ceremony was held months ago, but apparently the Park Slope Armory fitness center, to be run by the Prospect Park Y, isn't going to open this year. Nope. Not till 2009.

Why? You'll have to ask the Y.

http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/31/26/31_26_armory_wont_open_until.html

The Park Slope Armory won’t open until January, 2009 — 10 months after the gorgeously restored building was supposed to be operating.

The city held a ribbon cutting in February when it selected the Prospect Park YMCA to operate the Armory. At the time, officials said that a final contract would be signed quickly so that Y’s team could begin planning programs.

But the contract remains unsigned. “Our plan is to … have our full slate of programming by early 2009,” said YMCA Executive Director Sean Andrews. “[We will] use the summer through the fall to get a handle on what the community wants to see in there, and then fully staff it for 2009.”

What this member of the community would like to see in there is an open fitness center!

ok, but is the public going to be able to use it anyway?

My understanding is that the facilities will be used by local schoolchildren and that other people will be able to purchase memberships.

It would be great to hear more information about what exactly that will mean.

From the linked article:

The facility will primarily be used for track-and-field events, soccer, basketball and weight training. Andrews has said the Y will also host teen and after-school activities, a camp and public meetings.

My feeling is that the community will really benefit from having this center open and active. The Y, though, is acting as if it has been given a golden goose and is in no hurry to share it with the people of the South Slope and Windsor Terrace.

gotta say, as a resident of 15th street i can only imagine the mayhem that will ensue once the place opens as a facility. it's loud enough here!

Oh, never mind then.

Hey, at least there aren't troops marching in formation there...

I live near a very prominent WT bar -- wanna trade?

nope. we have 2 buses and an ambulance route, shelter ladies, moviegoers, and the crazy lady above me. ;-)

I understand your attachment to the place...

I don't understand why the parks department doesn't run it themselves. They run enough rec centers successfully. Is the YMCA going to pay a portion of the membership to the city or something?

Good question.

Their motto s/b, Build It And Hope They Come.