When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Community Center at Stuyvesant High School

Why Community Center at Stuyvesant High School is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Community Center at Stuyvesant High School, located at 345 Chambers Street in Battery Park City, stands out as a valuable and affordable hub for recreation, sports, swimming, and fitness activities. It offers an inviting environment perfect for meeting friends, staying active, and enjoying a variety of programs tailored to different fitness levels and interests. The center operates mainly in the evenings on weekdays from 7 PM to 10 PM, with extended weekend hours from 1 PM to 9 PM, making it convenient for those balancing work or school schedules. Facilities include a swimming pool, basketball courts, badminton courts, and a fully equipped weight room, catering to a broad range of athletic preferences. Accessibility features like a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking ensure that the center serves diverse community members effectively. The welcoming atmosphere combined with friendly staff enhances the experience, making it a great place for socializing while pursuing health and wellness goals. The center also offers affordable annual memberships, which makes it an attractive option compared to other fitness venues in the area, particularly for locals who appreciate evening aquatic activities and sports.
Here's what people think of Community Center at Stuyvesant High School
As of recent, Community Center at Stuyvesant High School holds a 4.5-star rating based on 63 reviews.
User reviews of the Community Center at Stuyvesant High School highlight a predominantly positive experience, reflected in the solid 4.5-star rating from 63 reviews. Patrons frequently praise the center for its friendly and accommodating staff, which contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere. The variety and availability of sports facilities such as the swimming pool, basketball courts, and well-maintained fitness equipment receive positive mentions for supporting diverse activities and fitness routines. Additionally, accessibility features and affordability through various membership options stand out as valued benefits. On the downside, some reviewers note that certain areas, particularly the locker rooms, could use improved maintenance and cleanliness to enhance overall comfort. Limited weekday hours, confined mostly to evenings, may be inconvenient for some potential users seeking daytime access. Despite these minor drawbacks, the consensus is that the center provides excellent value and a supportive community environment, making it a highly recommended venue for fitness enthusiasts and those looking to engage in recreational sports in downtown New York City.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Esther L.
Such a nice school with so many windows. The building is 10 floors of spectacular. Absolutely amazing
Yuan Guo
Not sure why they stopped maintaining the website and only use emails for relevant updates since Dec 2023. But if you do not receive their email updates, which is not too often though, just ask them to add you the next time you are there in person, the staff at the check in are very kind and helpful.
Charles Bournhonesque
I took a yearly subscription; I went twice to the pool and both times it was closed because of the SHSATs. The second time it wasn't even indicated on the website, and nobody answers when I call. So there's basically no way for me to know ahead of time if the center is going to be open or closed.
Mark Leong
The Community Center is inside Stuyvesant High School. The main draw for kids is the access to the swimming pool. For the price, $79 a year for kids, it is very inexpensive. Plus there are swimming lessons as part of the membership too. Only negative is trying to get your child into one of the swimming classes, it could be more organized and informative on when new classes will begin. Also having to be evaluated to get into a class, there's no official list telling you if you're in the next class. It gets frustrating. For adults there's open basketball courts, badminton, and a weight room. Other programs are scheduled as well. Adults are 199 a year.
凛
3 years ago, I gave this place 1 star because of the people. After attending more, I will change it to a 3 star. This place cost $200 dollars a year for adults, it's ok price but I wish it was cheaper.
How to reach Community Center at Stuyvesant High School
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Why Community Center at Stuyvesant High School may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at the Community Center at Stuyvesant High School with your friends? This vibrant community hub, located in the heart of New York City’s Battery Park City, offers a welcoming and accessible space designed to bring people together. Whether you're planning a casual get-together or a dynamic group activity, the Community Center provides a perfect blend of convenience, diverse recreational facilities, and a friendly atmosphere. With a solid 4.5-star rating from over sixty reviews, the center has proven itself a trusted venue for fitness, sports, and social gatherings. The blend of indoor and outdoor amenities caters to a wide range of interests, ensuring that every member of your group — from sports enthusiasts to those looking for a relaxing swim — will find something enjoyable. Moreover, the center’s location at 345 Chambers Street makes it easily reachable by public transportation and suitable for groups scattered across the city. The staff’s reputation for being helpful and the center’s flexible hours create a stress-free environment to connect, unwind, and make lasting memories with friends or family. This combination makes the Community Center an ideal destination to rally your group together.
What activities are available at the Community Center at Stuyvesant High School that make it perfect for group meetups? The center boasts a variety of facilities tailored to active and social gatherings. Key highlights include an indoor swimming pool that offers a refreshing way to spend time together while improving fitness or just having fun splashing around. The pool’s spacious design accommodates multiple swimmers, making it well-suited for group swim sessions. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the basketball and badminton courts, which provide opportunities for friendly competition or structured games to engage everyone physically and socially. For those interested in fitness beyond court sports and swimming, the center also features a well-equipped weight room that supports strength training and general exercise routines. These multiple activity options ensure that groups with varied interests can spend quality time together, whether playing a fast-paced game or enjoying a low-impact fitness session. The availability of these diverse amenities under one roof simplifies planning and amplifies the enjoyment for all attendees.
How does the Community Center’s environment contribute to making it a great place for gatherings? Beyond its physical facilities, the center places a strong emphasis on creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Many reviews highlight the friendly and approachable staff, who help foster a community spirit that makes visitors feel at home. This positive environment encourages repeated visits and group bonding. Additionally, the center’s accessibility features — including wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking — ensure that it can accommodate guests with diverse needs, making it an inclusive setting for everyone in your group. The center also often runs various classes and community events, which can be a great way to engage your group with new activities or develop skills together. Although some users have noted that locker rooms could benefit from improved maintenance, the overall impression is of a clean and safe facility. Combined with the convenient operating hours, which include evenings and weekend afternoons, the Community Center supports flexible scheduling for meetups at times when all friends can be present.
What aspects of the Community Center’s location and operations make it easy to organize a meetup here? Situated in the bustling and vibrant Battery Park City neighborhood, the center is easily accessible via multiple transit options in lower Manhattan. This central location is convenient for groups traveling from various parts of the city, avoiding long commutes and enabling spontaneous or planned get-togethers. The address at 345 Chambers Street places visitors right in the midst of a community known for safety and good infrastructure, helping visitors feel secure and comfortable. The center’s operating hours ensure availability during prime social and recreational times, typically from early afternoon into late evening on weekends and during weekday evenings. This flexibility means groups can meet after work or school, or take advantage of weekend time together. The community-oriented mission, combined with affordable membership models and drop-in options, means the center is accessible for all budgets, lowering barriers to regular group interactions.
How can the Community Center’s programs and memberships enhance your group experience? The center offers various membership options, including free summer memberships through partnerships with organizations like Asphalt Green, which adds value to those looking for extended or repeated visits. Before July and August, active members can register to maximize their summer fitness and recreation time at no cost, an excellent perk for groups planning multiple sessions. Beyond casual drop-ins, the center hosts a range of classes, workshops, and events catering to different interests, from aquatic fitness to team sports clinics, providing structured activities that can enrich your group’s time together. Parents and families are also able to involve youth with safety and supervision policies in place, fostering a family-friendly environment. The center’s ability to accommodate diverse demographics and age groups makes it an excellent choice for mixed groups, ensuring everyone can participate fully. This supportive programming underpins strong social connections and group engagement, making your meetup not just fun but also meaningful.
What practical tips should you consider when planning your meetup at the Community Center? To make the most of your time, consider the center’s hours of operation and any current facility updates or closures — such as the HVAC renovations that have periodically affected access. Booking or registering in advance is recommended for membership eligibility, especially during peak seasons. Arriving early to check in and familiarize your group with the space can help the day run smoothly. Since some users mention that locker room maintenance can be improved, bringing personal hygiene items might enhance comfort during your visit. Coordination around transport and meeting points is simplified by the center’s downtown Manhattan location. Lastly, communicating with the community center staff ahead of your visit can provide helpful guidance on available amenities, group activity arrangements, and any special offers or programs that may benefit your meetup, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Overall, the Community Center at Stuyvesant High School stands out as an excellent venue for friends and families looking to connect through sport, fitness, and recreation. Its diverse facilities, welcoming environment, and convenient location provide all the ingredients needed to host successful, fun, and memorable meetups.