Parks Department seeks input on Tompkins recreation-area upgrades

The conversation continues about the design process for a reconstruction project involving the Tompkins Square Park mini-pool, basketball courts and fitness area.

On Saturday morning, Parks officials and local City Councilmember Harvey Epstein are hosting an in-person meeting to discuss the project. (The city took recommendations in January and February.)

The meeting is set for 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Attendees can gather on the Ninth Street walkway near the basketball courts over closer to Avenue B.

Here's an aerial view of the area that will eventually be under construction along 10th Street and Avenue B...

A new petition is circulating asking that Parks remove the fitness area from the scope of work to ensure "the space remains accessible during the pool reconstruction, and direct the money where it will do good instead of doing harm."

The fitness area serves a large community of users, including people of every gender, age, income, race and fitness level, who meet year-round, all-weather, day and night. The equipment is well-known among calisthenics practitioners, and many travel to train there. 

As for the pool... in August 2024, Gov. Hochul announced nearly $150 million in capital grants through the New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) initiative.

As part of that, Tompkins Square Park was awarded $6.1 million for a new in-ground pool, which will double the capacity of the current above-ground trailer park model... as seen last week, waiting for the leaf blower ...

Other areas of the park have undergone renovations... last April, the field house and restrooms reopened after more than 18 months of rehab work. In 2023, reconstruction of the multipurpose courts took place.