Hansborough Recreation Center — Local services in New York

This was my first visit and it was only to use the pool. Reading earlier reviews, I gather the men's locker room may be pretty cruddy, but the women's locker room was very clean. The staff I spoke to, from the people at the front desk to the lifeguards, seemed friendly and courteous. The pool was a revelation. It is beautiful, with gorgeous mosaic decorations and a skylight, although I gather all the city pools have skylights, or at least those I have swum in. I can't comment on anything else, but so far so good.

I do plan to swim there again, especially because it wasn't that crowded. More people arrived as I was leaving, so I would have been curious to see how well the lifeguards manage crowds. There were some kids who were playing in the deep water area but were obviously experienced swimmers. I would have found it annoying if they swam without looking and interfered with those of us who were swimming laps, but I had no problems with the swimming I was doing and I hope that when there are more people, the lifeguards are proactive in assuring everyone can swim safely in the way they want There were roped areas where the little kids could have fun...

Confrontational & disgruntled staff member. Staff members on the main floor was informed that all the workout areas on all floors has run out of paper towels; which are being used to wipe down to sanitize the workout equipment between use (cleanliness & COVID-19 sanitary precautions). While working out in the cardio fitness weight room an elder male staff member finally arrived to fill the paper dispensers. From the moment he arrived he began pacing back & forth & being audibly loud & disgruntle complaining that members are constantly using up the paper towels. He further state he's tired of replacing them. Several members in the room including myself looked at him with disbelief. When told stop complaining & do you job he further got agitated, confrontational, & argumentative at no end. Forcing another women staff member to step in to diffuse the matter but he still continued. This was a very unpleasant inhospitable experience....

Out of so many rec centers in NYC, this one in Harlem can be marked lowest in rating. Their pool is small and unlike other rec center pools, it reeks of chlorine way too much. There are programs over there such as free basketball sessions on Saturdays, free swimming session a few days a week, etc. However, it is not much compared to other rec centers. Hansborough rec seems to be one of the lowest on budget rec centers in NYC. There are not much to do there except swimming and working out and dipping in some basketballs. Also, it is in an odd location. Good for locals anyways. At least they get to spend...