Recreation Center 59

Reopened as the Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center

I wrote to the Parks Department and got this response on April 15. I’m looking forward to the re-​opening in the fall! I expect to change this to five stars when it re-​opens!
We originally planned to reopen Rec Center 59 in the Spring of this year; however, due to funding matters and several necessary scope additions for the existing building, we now anticipate reopening the center in Fall 2011. The construction sign outside of the recreation center will be updated to reflect the change in schedule shortly. Some of these new features will include an indoor state-​of-​the-​art pool; new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems; a new First Aid room; improvements to the gymnasium and a new cardio room. A new addition to the building, with three levels, is also being constructed. Men’s and women’s locker rooms, a family changing room, and lifeguards’ locker rooms will be on the lower level. A youth activities room, computer room, multi-​purpose room, and bathrooms will be on the ground floor, and aerobics and fitness rooms will be on the second floor. All three floors will be accessible via an elevator and staircases. We have added the necessary installation of new windows, replacement of two skylights, a new roof, and installation of a chimney liner to the scope of work for this important project.
We apologize for any inconvenience the delay in reopening the recreation center may cause, but are confident that park goers will be pleased with the end result. We appreciate your continued patience while we improve your park.

this place is closed

The NYC Parks Department maintains a bunch of recreation centers in the city that are often referred to as City Gyms. These include Community Centers, Field Houses, and Nature Centers and offer services such as indoor pools, weight rooms, basketball courts, dance studios, boxing rings, art studios, game rooms and libraries.
59 West is a medium-​sized facility that has one fitness room, a gym/​basketball court, a climbing wall and a pool. The place is clean, though not new and shiny. The fitness room is kind of small, but has a decent number of machines. 3 cycles, 2 treadmills, 3 step machines, and about 4 or 5 weight machines. They also have a pretty wide selection of freeweights. My only complaint about the exercise room is the lack of stretching area.
I usually exercise in the early afternoon, so there aren’t many people around. I don’t know what it’s like in the evenings or on weekends.
The best thing is the price. $ 50/​year for most centers, $ 75/​year for ones with a pool. If you get a membership to one, you can visit ANY rec center in the system in any of the 5 boroughs.
If you’re looking for a place to work out and have basic needs, then a City Gym is a good choice. There are several in the city, so do some investigating to see if this or the center near you is a place you’d spend time.