CBS2 Investigates: Much Of UWS Rec Center Without Air Conditioning For Months
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The weather was hot on Monday, but it was especially hot in a city recreation center on the Upper West Side.
As CBS2's Christine Sloan reported, members said the air conditioner has been broken for months, and no one is doing anything about it.
CBS2 went to the Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center, 232 W. 60th St., with an undercover iPhone camera, after several members of the city-run facility said it was brutally hot on the second floor where everyone works out.
Indeed, the air conditioning was not working on the second floor when CBS2's Sloan visited. Windows were open and a fan was running.
But it was steamy – especially inside the basketball court where members play what is called "pickle ball."
There was no fan on the basketball court, and even people sitting on benches, were sweating.
"It's just been really bad," one woman said.
The rec center members said conditions have been a problem since June, with the air conditioning going in and out.
"The problem is whenever something happens – whether it's the ping pong table breaking, or the air conditioning going -- it sort of has to go to the city and it takes months," one woman said.
The woman said getting approval for the fan even took time.
"I asked them for a fan. Why don't they put a fan in there?" she said. "Well, the city has to give them a fan."
In the midday hours Monday it was 91 degrees outside. To be fair, there was air conditioning on the first floor, but the work out facilities and basketball court all on the second floor where there is none.
A city Department of Parks and Recreation representative said the city is working on fixing the air conditioner this week.
"We want to say, just provide us with what we're supposed to have, which is basic air conditioning in the summer," a woman said.
Following CBS2's visit, members hoped they would finally have a working air conditioner after two months. CBS2 will be checking to make sure they have one.
In the meantime, the Parks Department representative said it is important for members to self-monitor and stay hydrated during the heat.
