The Parks Department is continuing to pursue plans to demolish the landmarked Tony Dapolito Recreation Center, in spite of Mayor Mamdani’s campaign promise not to allow that to happen. Following our big turnout earlier this month at the Community Board 2’s hearing on 388 Hudson Street rec center facilities, the Board has sent off a new, strong letter to the Mayor and Parks Commissioner reiterating its opposition to demolition of the Tony Dapolito Recreation Center and calling for its restoration. It also follows similar demands from preservation organizations, community groups, elected officials, and of course Village Preservation and Save the Public Recreation Center Downtown.   

This battle is all wrapped up in the city’s plans for a 400-ft.-tall tower at 388 Hudson Street, where the City says they will include a replacement recreation center that will make the landmarked Dapolito Center obsolete. We and thousands of other New Yorkers have said the new recreation facilities should supplement, not replace, a repaired and modernized Dapolito Center. Demolition of Dapolito is far from a foregone conclusion. We will continue the fight to preserve it, as allowing the destruction of this landmarked building would have devastating consequences far beyond this one site. 

There are several ways you can communicate to decision-makers your desire to preserve, repair, and reopen the Tony Dapolito Recreation Center: