IKEA builds a new learning space for the Rec Center, by Brian Abate

In addition to the new gym, media center and infrastructure upgrades, the Rec Center now offers a beautiful new learning space courtesy of IKEA. The room includes a comfy lounge with nice lighting as well as a full kitchen area. The room is open to everyone with a Red Hook Recreation Center membership, which is free to those under 25.

“This was all the vision of Isiah Forde, who heads the Center,” said Jamaal LaVan, deputy manager. “He reached out and spoke to people at IKEA and they donated their time and service in addition to the beautiful room. They put everything together.”

In addition to couches, desks, chairs, lighting and storage, the rooms features a modern, fully functional kitchen, complete with cooking and refrigeration.

The lounge is already open but plumbers still have to do the drain for the kitchen sink so the kitchen is not fully open yet. That work is expected to be completed soon as there will be cooking classes held in the room as part of the Center’s spring programs which start in April. There will also be three or four PlayStations set up for an E-gaming [a form of competition using video games] tournament held in the lounge in the spring. The schedule for spring programs is not out yet but will be ready soon. The lounge part of the room has already been in use regularly by a group of special-needs adults.

There is wifi at the Center and members are welcome to bring their own laptops and use them in the lounge.

All the improvements, including the major renovations to the gym which included a maplewood floor, a new scoreboard, wall padding, rubber flooring, a new paint job, and new lockers, have taken place in the last twelve months.

Outside, almost all the ballfields have reopened. One night last week soccer games were going in the fields across from the center as strong new outdoor lighting makes that possible after sunset.

Membership at the Rec Center, which is necessary to use all the facilities, including weight room and pool, is free for NYC residents under 25. For those 25 and up, it’s an affordable $150 per year. And for those really old (62 and up, it’s just $25 annually.

“We’re very excited about the room,” LaVan said. “Make yourself at home. It’s a cozy space for the community and comfortable space for everyone to use.”