BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — The City of Binghamton now owns the St. Mary’s recreation center on Hawley Street in the downtown area, representing the latest step to turn the building into a city-run youth and recreation center.
The city officially took title to the recreation center after reaching an agreement with the parish earlier this year to purchase the building for $500,000, per the announcement on the city’s website.
Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham joined St. Mary’s officials on Sept. 24 at the facility for a document signing that finalized the sale.
“After years of negotiations and work to acquire the St. Mary’s recreation center, the City has closed on a deal to purchase the building,” Kraham said in the announcement. “The new youth and recreation center will provide Binghamton’s kids with a safe place to participate in youth sports and other programming year-round and will expand recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. Today’s announcement is a major step toward delivering this center for our youngest residents and building on our investments in the future of our City. I’m grateful to Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for their critical support of this project.”
Binghamton’s parks & recreation department will use the space to expand programming, including youth sports, summer camps, and classes. Programming will be free for Binghamton youth.
In 2022, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D–N.Y.) announced $1 million to support the city’s efforts to open a youth center.
The City of Binghamton is using the funding for acquisition and building improvements, including upgrades to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, new windows, roofing and masonry repairs, and minor electrical upgrades, per the announcement.