On Sunday, hundreds rallied to save the endangered city-owned Tony Dapolito Recreation Center, and call on the Mayor to drop his demolition plans and the City Council to force his hand via the City budget. More than 20 downtown groups that comprise the Coalition to Save the Downtown Public Recreation Center (SPRCD) co-sponsored the sprawling rally with Village Preservation, which attracted Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and a broad swath of supporters. Watch video of the rally HERE and see images HERE.

Now that the Mayor has made clear that he wants to spend $52 million in the 2026 budget to demolish the rec center, it’s up to the City Council to stop the Mayor by ensuring the budget they must negotiate and agree to earmarks all that money for restoration of the Center ONLY, and kicks in any other needed funds. We have called on local Councilmember Erik Bottcher, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and other key Council members to make this a component of the 2026 budget being negotiated right now, and URGE YOU TO AS WELL!

HOW TO HELP: