Mayor Kraham Announces City Takes Ownership of St. Mary's Recreation Center

Downtown Building to Become City-Run Youth & Recreation Center

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.)—Mayor Jared M. Kraham on Tuesday announced the City of Binghamton has taken ownership of the St. Mary's recreation center on Hawley Street downtown, the latest step to turn the building into a City-run youth and recreation center.

The announcement came as Mayor Kraham joined St. Mary's officials at the Rec Center for a document signing finalizing the sale.

Mayor Kraham said: "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. 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."

The City officially took title to the St. Mary's recreation center Tuesday after reaching an agreement with the parish earlier this year to purchase the building for $500,000.

The Binghamton Parks & Recreation Department will use the space to expand programming, including youth sports, summer camps and classes. Programming will be free for City of Binghamton youth.

In 2022, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $1 million to support the City's efforts to open a youth center.

The City is using the funding for acquisition and building improvements, including HVAC system upgrades, new windows, roofing and masonry repairs, and minor electrical upgrades.

The center, located next to Columbus Park, will be the first City-owned recreation center of its kind in Binghamton's history. The purchase comes after a years-long effort by the City to site a youth center in the Center City neighborhood.