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Recreation Center 54

E. 54 St. bet.ween 1 Ave. and 2 Ave.

Manhattan

Directions via Google Maps

This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found posted within the park.

The East 54th Street Recreation Center opened on Feb. 17, 1911, with 79 showers for men and 59 for women. Built during an era of socially progressive initiatives, the center’s original purpose was to provide sanitary facilities for the city’s working classes. Although the four-story, neo-classical building is not a designated landmark, much of its original character and history remains. The basketball court and jogging track are connected by two wrought ironwork spiral staircases, and the Guastavino tile, vaulted ceiling in the gymnasium, and the lobby ceiling are indicative of the architecture of the time. Marble walls in the locker rooms hearken back to the original marble baths.

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Park Information

Directions to Recreation Center 54

Know Before You Go

Recreation CentersRecreation Center 54

The swimming pool at Recreation Center 54 is closed for repairs. For more information, please call the center at (212) 754-5411. The swimming pool at Asser Levy Recreation Center, near East 23rd Street and FDR Drive, is available for general and lap swim. For more information on the pool schedule, please call (212) 447-2020.

Recreation Center 54 Weather

  • Wed
    Sunny
    78°F
  • Thu
    Sunny
    79°F
  • Fri
    Sunny
    80°F
  • Sat
    Mostly Sunny
    77°F

7-day forecast

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