NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Mayor Eric Adams announced the opening of Washington Heights’ first indoor, year-round baseball center as part of New York City’s free “Saturday Night Lights” program, which attempts to engage young people and build trust between law enforcement and communities.
The 4,500 square-foot facility is located at the Police Athletic League Armory Center at 216 Fort Washington Ave., and its opening announcement comes at the end of NYC’s Public Safety Week.
“Saturday Night Lights brings joy and positivity to our kids through sport—and gives our young people an alternative at the times when crimes are most likely to be committed,” Adams said. “Programs like this on nights and weekends keep our young people in safe places and away from gun violence, and builds trust between police, community, and our youth.”
The program is a partnership led by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development in conjunction with other city agencies and community contributors that offers free, high-quality sports programming for kids ages 11 to 18 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday nights. This time frame was chosen as it is a period of the week when crime historically spikes.
Saturday Night Lights is offered at nearly 140 locations across the city, and the city DYCD recently developed a website for New Yorkers to find programming options near them.
“Saturday Night Lights is a shining example of how we can keep our communities safe with the lightest touch possible,” Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker said. “This center … is more than just a place for young people to play sports; it’s a pathway to greater opportunities and brighter futures. Every investment in spaces like this is an investment in our kids’ safety and potential.”
The renovation of the center, which began in January, cost $382,000. Three hundred thousands dollars of the cost came from asset forfeiture funds, and the other $82,000 from the Police Athletic League.
The facility features a fully-turfed versatile gym space, batting cages, baseball and golf simulators, and the equipment was funded by a DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and Local Initiatives Support Corporation grant.