Upgraded Rec Center In Newark Has City’s First Indoor Running Track

NEWARK, NJ — “One of Newark’s greatest public recreation facilities” has reopened to the public after getting a multi-million-dollar facelift, officials announced Monday.

The JFK Recreation Center at 211 West Kinney Street was last renovated in the 1980s – and was long overdue some needed upgrades. City officials shared some background about the center, which opened in 1968:

“The JFK Center was originally built with an ice skating rink, which was turned into the state’s largest outdoor/indoor swimming pool, the first built to Olympic size. The pool’s roof, built on rollers, enables it to be used in all weather. In 2002, the facility hosted several events of the U.S. Youth Games, which brought teams aged 15 to 18 from cities across the nation to compete in a variety of athletic events.”

The most recent remodeling includes new bathrooms, a new gym entry, new basketball courts, the city’s first indoor running track, boxing ring, technology room, cardio equipment, weight-training equipment, and a community/multi-purpose room.

Brahma Construction Corp. of Wayne performed the work, which cost $2.9 million, officials said.

South Ward Councilman Patrick Council, the former director of the Department of Recreation, Cultural Affairs and Senior Services, was among those who cheered the center’s reopening.

“I’m excited that we are able to restore a place of value back to our community for many generations to enjoy,” Council said.

“The JFK Recreation Center is one of Newark’s greatest public recreation facilities, serving our entire city,” Mayor Ras Baraka agreed. “With this remodeling, we will provide Newark with a higher quality of healthy activities and expanded services for the whole community.”

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