Harlem Rec Center In Marcus Garvey Park Reopens After 2-Year Closure

HARLEM, NY — More than two years after it closed to the public as COVID-19 swept New York City, a popular rec center in Marcus Garvey Park is back open for swimmers, athletes, kids, and any other Harlemites looking for some exercise.

The Pelham Fritz Recreation Center, on the west side of the park, reopened to the public on Tuesday, the Parks Department announced.

It had been closed since March 2020, when it shut down along with most city facilities during the beginning of the pandemic — though many similar rec centers reopened last year.

Pelham Fritz was closed for a longer period because the city was busy fixing up its building, with new improvements including a reconstructed front lobby and a rebuilt park entrance and retaining walls, according to a Parks spokesperson.

The center now has a new vestibule, signage and front windows, as well as more ADA accessibility.

Meanwhile, during the height of the pandemic, Pelham Fritz was also repurposed as a food distribution hub, where drivers registered with the city's Taxi and Limousine Commission picked up meals to deliver to vulnerable New Yorkers.

Like all of the city's rec centers, membership at Pelham Fritz is free to New Yorkers age 24 and under, and is low-cost for adults and seniors. More information on registration is available online.

"We're excited to welcome our members back, and we're inviting the Harlem community to join," a Parks Department spokesperson said.