RI DAILY

Manhattan's little, quieter island and beyond

Reporting Roosevelt Island since sunrise.

RI DAILY

Manhattan's little, quieter island and beyond

Reporting Roosevelt Island since sunrise.

Move Fast. New, Higher Sportspark Membership Rates Are Coming

RIOC's new membership rates for Sportspark promise improved financial stability, providing affordable pricing for early sign-ups while supporting local community enhancements and services.

Roosevelt Island News
Fitness Room Equipment, Sportspark

In a move designed for greater financial stability, RIOC plans announcing new, higher membership rates for Sportspark.

by David Stone

The Roosevelt Island Daily News

When Sportspark reopened after years of refurbishing in 2022, the new membership rates were too low. They could not support the quality of facility RIOC now offers. And they were kind of an overreaction to much higher rates previously announced. Strong negative responses drove prices down, but it was probably too far.

Sportspark Pool
Renovated Sportspark pool on opening day.

The New Membership Rates

Rates if you join prior to January 1st, 2025:

  • Adult Resident: $33/month
  • Adult Non-Resident: $77/month
  • Senior/Disabled: $25/month
  • Teen: $15/month
  • Child: Free

Rack rate for anyone joining January 1st, 2025 or after are as follows:

  • Adult Resident: $45/month
  • Adult Non-Resident: $90/month
  • Senior/Disabled: $30/month
  • Teen: $20/month
  • Child: Free

Clearly, signing on early provides an exceptional price break.

Finally…

The new membership rates will not sit well with everyone. They are, though, well below market rates outside Roosevelt Island. And with RIOC’s need for better financial stability, it’s the kind of move that helps elsewhere. Funds not used for subsidizing Sportspark can go to improved bus service, beautification projects and, hopefully, increasing nonprofit engagement.

You Can’t Be All Three

You Can’t Be All Three

Transit for the city, an attraction for visitors, and a liability on the Island’s books. The tram is already part of the MTA system. The only question is whether RIOC is ready to admit it.

April 9, 2026, during the full board meeting of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, Fay Christian said something that should have landed harder than it did. She wished RIOC were not responsible for the tram. Then she asked what it would look like if it were given to the MTA. That was not a passing comment.

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