Opened 1895. Reinvented 2010.
Opening in 2010, the formerly underutilized Park Slope Armory has been transformed into a multipurpose athletic and educational center to serve the local Park Slope community, including the many area public schools.
The size of the old drill floor made the space ideal for a variety of recreational programming offered by the YMCA. The multiuse facility includes a:
- 1/8-mile track
- 4 multipurpose courts for basketball, soccer and volleyball
- 20,000 square feet of group exercise space
- over fifty pieces of state-of-the-art cardio equipment
The project included renovation of the interior of the drill floor area, incorporating installation of gym equipment; a new scoreboard; an upgrade of the mechanical, electrical, lighting and plumbing systems; new balcony seating; new restrooms; repair to trophy cases; and renovation and painting of the ceiling, walls, hallways and floors. New air conditioning and ventilation systems were also installed, in addition to a handicapped chair lift and a code compliant fire safety system for the entire facility.
The YMCA of Greater New York was selected by the City as the facility’s service operator, and is now tasked with operating, managing and maintaining the center. As part of the agreement with the City, the YMCA will generate revenue through donations, sponsorships, events or fees for the track area, memberships, and fees for the use of room space that will support the overall operations of the Armory including its community programs. .
The $16 million renovation project was funded by $8.2 million from the Office of the Mayor, $6 million from the City Council, and $2 million from the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office.