Petition to preserve Tompkins Square Park fitness area tops 2,000 signatures

Photos by Stacie Joy

Reporting by EVG and SJ

Back in May, we reported that the city's planned reconstruction project for the Tompkins Square Park mini-pool, basketball courts and fitness area had prompted concerns among some park users. 

The proposal returned to the spotlight this past week after Gothamist reported on the petition opposing plans to rebuild the park's fitness area. 

The petition (find it here), which has now collected more than 2,000 signatures since it launched on May 9, asks the Parks Department to remove the fitness area from the scope of work. Specifically, the petition asks Parks to "remove the fitness area from the scope of work so the space remains accessible during the pool reconstruction, and direct the money where it will do good instead of doing harm." 

Supporters say the fitness area serves a broad cross-section of the community — people of every gender, age, income level, race and fitness ability — who use it year-round, in all weather and throughout the day and night. They also note that the equipment is well known among calisthenics practitioners, with many traveling to Tompkins Square Park specifically to train there. 

Last Thursday, I stopped by and spoke with some of the gym regulars. They described the workout area as much more than a place to train — it's also a gathering spot and community built around the equipment that's been there for years. Several said they want the bars preserved as they are, expressing little confidence that the Parks Department would adequately replace them. 

Two people pointed to the reconstruction of East River Park, saying the changes to the fitness equipment there left them skeptical of promises that new facilities would meet the needs of the calisthenics community. 

They also said they hope any future plans for Tompkins Square Park include meaningful input from the people who use the space every day.

According to the Parks Department's Capital Project Tracker, the project is about 5% through the design phase, which began in January and is projected to be completed by March 2027. 

Procurement and construction timelines have not yet been established, though Parks notes that procurement typically takes nine to 12 months and construction 12 to 18 months after those phases begin.

As previously reported, the project calls for a new in-ground swimming pool, which will double the capacity of the current above-ground trailer park model.

According to city officials, key water lines for the pool run beneath the courts and fitness area, so they'll need to find a workaround to avoid disrupting them.

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• Plans unveiled for reconstruction project at the Tompkins Square Park mini-pool, basketball courts and fitness area