Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura have announced the reopening of the historic Lost Battalion Hall Recreational Center in Rego Park, which closed in 2022 to undergo a $25.9 million top-to-bottom reconstruction project.
NYC Parks and elected officials will cut the ribbon at the newly-renovated center later on Friday, Oct. 9.
Lost Battalion Hall, located at 93-29 Queens Blvd. and constructed by the Works Progress Administration between 1938 and 1939, initially served as a facility for local veterans’ groups such as the Queens Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. It is named for the U.S. Army’s 77th Division in honor of its heroism during the , Battle of Argonne during the First World War, during which over half of the division’s 550 soldiers perished.
The veterans hall, which included a firing range and drill hall, became more deeply woven into the history of Queens during the 1960s when it was taken over by the Parks Department and converted into a recreational facility, with the New York Knicks using it as an auxiliary practice facility. It has since helped hone generations of local talent, including former NBA player Kenny “the Jet” Smith.
The center shuttered in 2022 as part of efforts to “bring the historic neighborhood center into the 21st century,” including accessibility improves and upgrades to the center’s weightlifting area, spin room and fitness room.
Photo via NYC Parks.
Lockers and storage areas were also upgraded to make the facility easier to navigate, while accessible bathrooms were added on every floor with new stalls and fixtures. The project also added safer routes throughout the facility, added new doors at the front entrance, introduced a new lobby and rebuilt existing staircases as well as adding another staircase on the east side of the building.
Photo via NYC Parks.
The project additionally addressed the center’s safety and infrastructure, installing a new fire alarm and sprinkler system, a new rooftop generator, a new waterline, new water heaters and a new heating and cooling system.
Mamdani said in a statement that the center was reopening just in time for New Yorkers to use its indoor facilities during the colder winter months.
“With new equipment, accessibility improvements and safety upgrades, Lost Battalion Hall will be even more welcoming to New Yorkers,” Mamdani said in a statement. “Whether you’re here to shoot hoops, work out or hang out, this is your recreation center.”
Photo via NYC Parks.
Shimamura, meanwhile, said the four-year refurbishment improved “every corner” of the facility.
“For years, Lost Battalion Hall has been the place where Queens families come to work out, shoot hoops and spend time with their neighbors, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome everyone back,” Shimamura said in a statement. ” It’s safer, easier to get around and more comfortable no matter the season.”