1 / 3John F. Kennedy Recreation & Aquatic Center
π Newark, NY
Community recreation center offering basketball courts, volleyball, and open play areas. Great value for school-age kids and teens, though some parents note safety concerns.
A real gem for kids in Newark. I like the fact that n kids can openly play here during the week and on Saturdays. Kids and adults played basketball, amd volleyball. I was told they have track, their own basketball team, martial arts and more. There is a well equipped gym for 18 and up. They have memberships less than $10. Open play for kids looks like 8 and up are free. They provide the equipment to play. Only thing is the floors were super slippery because of the salt. Have a large bucket of water at the door whith towels during this time.... clean the gym floor well and have everyone when they sign their name or by the metal detectors step in the water and dry rub them off with the towel. Change out the water when needed. This will help in the winter from snow. Overall my son cant wait to go back. I wish they had more places this closer to home.
π Family Action Verdict
This recreation center offers excellent value with diverse activities perfect for school-age children and teens who enjoy basketball, volleyball, and open play. However, parents should be aware of ongoing safety concerns and disruptive behavior from some visitors. Best suited for families comfortable with urban rec center environments and looking for affordable fitness options.
βΉοΈ What to Know Before You Go
π¬ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews β664 Google reviews
S T
3 months ago
βA real gem for kids in Newark. I like the fact that n kids can openly play here during the week and on Saturdays. Kids and adults played basketball, amd volleyball. I was told they have track, their own basketball team, martial arts and more. There is a well equipped gym for 18 and up. They have memberships less than $10. Open play for kids looks like 8 and up are free. They provide the equipment to play. Only thing is the floors were super slippery because of the salt. Have a large bucket of water at the door whith towels during this time.... clean the gym floor well and have everyone when they sign their name or by the metal detectors step in the water and dry rub them off with the towel. Change out the water when needed. This will help in the winter from snow. Overall my son cant wait to go back. I wish they had more places this closer to home.β
Johnny Peter
4 months ago
βI love JFK I was going there since I was about 12 years old itβs just one tiny problem to many of these young thugs always trying to come in playing around running and they disrespectful they how they dress sneaking vapes in weapons but itβs good place if they not thereβ
Lena Gilmore
3 months ago
βThis is a great Rec center! I feel like when it was at its best we when the basketball coach that died was there. He was the greatest!! Itβs sad that he passed and it honestly hasnβt been the same but you know what they say..time goes on..β
Khalia King
3 months ago
βBeing closed on sunday and Monday is super crazy for a recreation center. And the closing times should atleast at 1 more hour. The gym is cool. Need new machines overall cool place.β
Reviews from Google
Overview
John F. Kennedy Recreation & Aquatic Center features basketball courts, volleyball facilities, track access, and open play areas for children and adults. The center offers diverse recreational activities in an indoor setting with free parking and wheelchair accessibility.





