Central Brooklyn now boasts its largest recreation center, the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center, a new three-story facility designed by Studio Gang. This significant development replaces a former field in East Flatbush, offering a comprehensive array of fitness and community programs to local residents.
Named in honor of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress, the center stands as a tribute to her legacy of public service. It aims to provide accessible, affordable public space for everyone in the community.
Key Takeaways
- Central Brooklyn's largest recreation center is now open.
- Designed by Studio Gang, the building features a distinctive rippled brick facade.
- It includes a gymnasium, pool, dance studios, and strength and cardio rooms.
- The center is named after Shirley Chisholm, a pioneering political figure.
- The project targets LEED Gold certification for sustainability.
A Welcoming Architectural Design
The new center, a collaboration with NYC Department of Parks & Recreation (NYC Parks), features a striking scalloped brick facade. This distinctive design choice is not just aesthetic; it serves a dual purpose. The swooping, dipped brick creates a welcoming gesture for visitors while also allowing abundant natural light and views into the interior spaces.
Slim, semi-circular and rectangular windows punctuate the facade, adding to its unique visual appeal. The upper levels of the building are clad in corrugated metal panels, subtly rising above the brick volume at the front.
Project Context
The Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center is strategically tucked into a central lot, with a public walkway providing access between the fitness center and an adjacent school. This placement ensures easy access for students and community members alike, integrating the facility into the daily life of East Flatbush.
"Projecting into a new shaded plaza, the building's transparent main entrance – centrally located between the adjacent public school and the Center – establishes a signature welcoming gesture," stated Studio Gang. "Large arched windows, set into the gently curving brick façade, reinforce the building's inviting presence and bring natural light and views deep inside."
Diverse Facilities for Community Wellness
Inside, the 74,000-square-foot facility offers a wide range of amenities. The lowest level houses a double-height gymnasium and a spacious pool, positioned on either side of the building. These large spaces are complemented by smaller, specialized areas.
The center includes dedicated spaces for staff offices, well-equipped locker rooms, and modern dance studios. Residents can also access strength and cardio rooms, which are spread across the upper levels. This thoughtful layout ensures that various fitness and recreational needs are met within one comprehensive facility.
Brooklyn's Largest Recreation Center
At 74,000 square feet (6,874 square meters), the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center is not only Brooklyn's largest but also the first-ever recreation center in Central Brooklyn.
Interior Features and Artwork
The interior design promotes connectivity and transparency. Cutaways, viewing platforms, and interior windows create clear lines of sight throughout the building, fostering a sense of openness and community. The lobby features a vibrant bright-orange grand staircase, serving as a central focal point.
Other notable interior elements include glued-laminated timber beams above the pool area, which add warmth and natural aesthetic. Custom woodwork is integrated throughout the facility. The center also showcases artwork by artist Vanessa German, including a series of busts, adding a cultural dimension to the recreational space.
Sustainability and Outdoor Spaces
The project emphasizes environmental responsibility, aiming for LEED Gold certification. Several sustainable design features are incorporated into the building's construction and operation. These include a high-performance building envelope designed to maximize energy efficiency and plantings for effective stormwater management.
Additionally, the center integrates EV-charging stations, promoting electric vehicle use among visitors and staff. The commitment to sustainability reflects a forward-thinking approach to urban development.
Outdoor Amenities
Beyond the indoor facilities, the center offers several outdoor amenities. The building is topped with a green roof, contributing to urban biodiversity and reducing the urban heat island effect. An outdoor schoolyard provides space for children's activities, and a small triangular terrace above the entrance offers an additional outdoor spot.
While the center replaces a previous field, existing outdoor basketball courts and a handball court were maintained and are now located adjacent to the new building, ensuring continuity for popular outdoor sports.
A Living Tribute to Shirley Chisholm
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the opening of the center, highlighting its significance as a tribute to Shirley Chisholm's enduring legacy. Chisholm, a Brooklyn native, was known for her dedication to ensuring politics served everyday people.
"Shirley Chisholm believed that politics should be accountable to everyday people," said Mayor Mamdani. "In that spirit, this center will stand as a living tribute to her legacy – proving that when we invest in truly affordable, accessible public spaces, we can build a city that works for all of us."
The Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center represents a major investment in Central Brooklyn's public infrastructure. It is designed to be a hub for health, wellness, and community engagement for generations to come, embodying the spirit of its namesake through its commitment to public access and service.