NYC bill would open schools, gyms for sports on rainy days

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- A rally outside City Hall Wednesday called for access to basketball courts and other sports facilities in New York City schools during days of inclement weather.

"We have to get creative about how we make sure our basketball courts are open throughout the year," said New York City Council member Shekar Krishnan.

Krishnan is a co-sponsor of the Indoor Hoops Act, a local law aimed at identifying and facilitating the use of indoor facilities for basketball games during inclement weather.

"Keeping youth recreation center programs open on weekends, when it's raining, utilizing spaces we already have in the community. They can utilize these systems to make sure they continue activity every weekend," said New York City Council member Kevin Riley, the bill's sponsor.

Sponsors of the bill are asking the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Education to coordinate the use of underutilized indoor space, unlocking school gyms and recreational centers.

"This is a school, public space, why do we keep children out in wintertime? They can't be out," said New York City Council member Mercedes Narcisse.

Following the rally, a City Council committee held a hearing where a parks department executive expressed some concerns about the Indoor Hoops plan.

"We don't permit outside groups coming in any of our recreational centers because we have members who pay to access our centers and programming," said Margaret Nelson, deputy commissioner for public programs and community engagement.

Riley is hopeful he can win support.

“I'm happy to discuss any technicality we have to deal with to upgrade our piece of legislation," Riley said.

The bill has the support of 26 co-sponsors. Following Wednesday's hearing, a date will be put on the calendar for a vote that will eventually open the gates to schools and other locations on those rainy and snowy days to let the kids in to engage in sporting activities.