Newly Refurbished Gymnasium Benefits the Claremont Community
Elected officials and community members joined current and former residents of Morris Houses on February 22 to celebrate the formal unveiling of the new gymnasium at the Claremont Neighborhood Center in The Bronx.
Central to the revamp was the completely refurbished indoor basketball court. Repainted and refitted with new basketball equipment, as well as an entirely new floor, the indoor basketball court received a complete makeover as part of efforts to breathe new life into the community center. It has been named the Abraham Jones Gymnasium in honor of the Claremont Center’s Executive Director.
The gymnasium has long been an integral part of the Claremont community, hosting dances, elections, and other community-oriented events. Its court was once a destination for basketball talent scouts; one former resident, who is now a minister, was spotted by a coach while playing there and received a college scholarship.
Another welcome upgrade is the audio induction loop, also known as a hearing loop, which was fitted in the gymnasium. A hearing loop is an assistive listening technology which makes sounds easier to hear for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Making the space ADA (Americans with Disability Act)-friendly promotes inclusion and accessibility, especially during community events.
A number of elected officials were present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, New York State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda, and a representative from Councilwoman Althea Stevens’ office. Borough President Gibson, who funded the project, had represented the district as a councilmember prior to becoming Borough President.
“The renovation of the Claremont Neighborhood Center’s gymnasium is years in the making and is an investment in our youth and the Claremont community,” President Gibson said. “I am proud to have allocated funding for this project and look forward to seeing our residents utilize this newly renovated community space. Thank you to the amazing team at the Claremont Neighborhood Center and everyone else who was involved in bringing this project to fruition.”
Over a hundred people attended the event, where they enjoyed refreshments as well as speeches and an award ceremony. One former 91-year-old resident of the neighborhood, Mr. Otis Cooper, had been a coach at the center decades ago. He was honored with an award that recognized his commitment to the center and his years of community engagement.
After the speeches and refreshments, attendees became spectators of the first post-ribbon cutting game of basketball on the new court.
“Our youth deserve the very best,” President Gibson noted, “and that includes community spaces for them and their families to safely recreate.”
Browse more pictures from the event below.
