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.
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.
A Different Kind of Bet
For years, Roosevelt Island did not behave like a system constrained by limits. Internally, the budget was often treated less as a boundary and more as a reservoir to be used.
