New Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center opens in East Flatbush

The $141 million facility is the first new Parks recreation center in over a decade and the largest in Brooklyn.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the opening of the brand-new Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. The 74,000-square-foot facility is the first new Parks recreation center in over a decade, the first ever in Central Brooklyn, and the largest recreation center in the borough. The center features a competition-sized pool, walking track, gym, exercise rooms, and more.

Why it matters

The new recreation center is named after trailblazing Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress. It will serve over 41,000 residents in the East Flatbush and Midwood neighborhoods, providing affordable access to fitness, sports, and educational programming in an area that previously lacked such community resources.

The details

The Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center includes a competition-sized 6 lane pool with accessibility features, a 3-lane walking track, a competition-sized gym, and exercise rooms for cardio, weightlifting, and spin classes. The center will offer discounted memberships and free access for those 24 and under. It is located in the heart of the Little Haiti neighborhood and was built through a partnership between the city, state, and local elected officials.

  • The recreation center opened to the public on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
  • For the first week, all New Yorkers will have the opportunity to use the center for one free day before becoming members.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who announced the opening of the new recreation center.

Tricia Shimamura

The New York City Parks Commissioner.

Shirley Chisholm

The first African American woman elected to the U.S. Congress, who the recreation center is named after.

Jumaane Williams

The New York City Public Advocate and son of Grenadian immigrants.

Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn

The New York State Assembly Member and chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, who is the daughter of Haitian immigrants.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (caribbeanlife.com)

“This new center means that over 41,000 New Yorkers now have an affordable space to exercise, learn, and connect with their neighbors, a fitting tribute to Chisholm's commitment to community investment.”

— Tricia Shimamura, New York City Parks Commissioner (caribbeanlife.com)

“Witnessing her name on a space that will uplift East Flatbush is deeply personal and profoundly meaningful to me.”

— Yvette D. Clarke, U.S. Congresswoman (caribbeanlife.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This new recreation center named after trailblazer Shirley Chisholm represents a significant investment in affordable, accessible public spaces that can serve as hubs for community wellness, education, and connection in underserved neighborhoods of New York City.