NEW ROCHELLE, NY (May 6, 2025) — The City of New Rochelle marked a milestone with the ribbon-cutting of its first Downtown Recreation Center on May 5, a 3,000 square-foot community hub located on the second floor of the New Roc building in the Vanguard District. Developed by the Department of Parks and Recreation with support from Audi of New Rochelle, the facility is the city’s first indoor recreation space dedicated to public programs and activities for all ages.
Situated within walking distance of the train station, public library, post office, and new residential buildings, the center addresses the need for accessible recreation in the growing downtown area. “Downtown REC gives Parks & Recreation the opportunity to run dedicated, uninterrupted programming in the first-ever indoor space purely dedicated to our department,” said Vincent Parise, Commissioner of Parks and Recreation. “It’s a space where families, children, and seniors can count on finding high-quality activities led by our experienced team, right in the heart of downtown.”
The center will host a rotating schedule of programs managed by the Parks and Recreation Department, serving as a base for community groups like the New Rochelle Youth Bureau and Senior Center. Current offerings include Little Movers for ages 3–5 on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the Youth Bureau’s Elite Steppers on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Past programs since the center’s soft launch in January included a Cheer Clinic, Little Hoopers basketball camp, Science Explorers, Mommy and Me sessions, and a second season of Little Movers featuring ballet, hip hop, and tap.
Commissioner of Development Adam Salgado highlighted the center’s role in the city’s revitalization efforts. “This is the first facility of its kind in downtown New Rochelle,” Salgado said. “As we continue to invest in the revitalization of our downtown, it’s important that we create not just housing and infrastructure, but meaningful spaces for community life.”
Audi of New Rochelle’s partnership was praised by both city officials and the dealership’s general manager. “We’re proud and thrilled about this partnership and opportunity to give back to the community,” said John Kaufman, General Manager of Audi of New Rochelle, noting the dealership’s 45th year in the community.
Looking ahead, the Parks and Recreation Department plans a community-wide event this summer with Mad Science and will kick off the broader Parks season at the end of May, building on the center’s momentum to promote year-round, community-focused recreation.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
