The Roosevelt Island Sportspark, built in 1977, is a 75,000-sf, two-story recreational facility with a swimming pool, full-size gymnasium, an exercise room, multi-purpose studio and outdoor basketball court serving the Roosevelt Island community, as well as others in NYC at large. The building is segregated into two main sections—the pool and gymnasium—with smaller activity spaces in the middle. Its location adjacent to the tram and the F-train subway station make it a readily accessible resource for all.

While working within the scope and targeted budget, the team identified interior reconfigurations and upgrades that would make simultaneous use of some of the spaces possible to allow for new services and amenities.

This project assessed existing programmatic and operational needs to reconfigure and update the building interior, incorporate new amenities, upgrade specific infrastructure systems and redesign the main entrance including improvements to the facade, entrance plaza and landscape. The renovations included demolition and removal of hazardous materials as well as removal of existing outdated HVAC units, removal of existing lighting, existing plumbing as well as ductwork and other accessories. The project included construction of new spaces within the building footprint, exterior facade treatment, and window replacement. An updated plumbing system to serve the new spaces, new dehumidification and water filtration system serving the pool were provided. A new rooftop unit serving the gym area, new HVAC systems serving the offices, changing rooms and lobbies was included. A new electrical system, new lighting, new fire protection, new life safety and security systems and elevator upgrade were provided as part of the renovation. Site work included handicapped accessibility improvements, sidewalk repairs, landscaping, utility upgrades and a new main entrance facing west. The design incorporates highly durable materials to increase the building’s longevity and support the wear of its uses. Cameron Engineering provided engineering services for the design, bid and construction administration of this project.