Funding Through NY BRICKS and NY SWIMS Will Modernize Community and Aquatic Facilities in the Capital Region
Project Advances Governor Hochul’s Unplug and Play Initiative to Expand Access to Recreation and Promote Community Wellness
ALBANY, N.Y. — The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) today announced more than $5.5 million in State funding to support the expansion and renovation of the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center, including critical upgrades to its aquatic facilities.
“My Unplug and Play initiative is bringing people together and helping families live healthier and more active lives", Governor Hochul said. "Through programs like NY BRICKS and NY SWIMS we making investments throughout the State that will upgrade facilities, expand access to recreation, and create more opportunities for families, seniors and young people to connect and enjoy the places that help a community grow."
Today’s announcement builds on Governor Hochul’s broader Unplug and Play initiative, which has now delivered more than $350 million to communities across New York State, with projects opening and moving forward across the state.
The project includes a $5 million NY BRICKS award supporting a total project cost of approximately $6.9 million, along with $554,860 in NY SWIMS funding supporting a nearly $700,000 investment in pool upgrades. Together, these investments leverage additional local and private funding to deliver a comprehensive upgrade to the facility.
Together, these investments will modernize the facility, expand programming capacity and improve access to safe, reliable recreational and wellness spaces for families across the Capital Region. The total project cost is estimated at $XX million.
At the Albany JCC, the project will expand and renovate the facility, upgrade fitness, youth and senior programming spaces, improve accessibility and building systems and enhance both indoor and outdoor pool infrastructure. Planned aquatic improvements include replacing aging mechanical systems, resurfacing and stabilizing existing pools and upgrading systems that improve water quality, operational safety and long-term reliability.
NY SWIMS, administered by DASNY in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, provides competitive matching grants to municipalities and nonprofit organizations to construct and renovate swimming facilities. Through two rounds of funding, New York State has awarded $200 million to 57 projects that expand access to safe swimming opportunities statewide.
NY BRICKS is a $100 million capital grant program that supports the construction and renovation of community centers across New York State, prioritizing projects that promote physical health, mental well-being and community connection, particularly in underserved communities.
Both programs are part of Governor Hochul’s Unplug and Play initiative, a statewide effort to expand recreational infrastructure and create more opportunities for New Yorkers to stay active and outdoors.
Serving as a cornerstone of community life in the Capital Region for generations, the Albany JCC offers early childhood education, youth programming, senior services and wellness opportunities in a welcoming space open to all. These improvements will help the Albany JCC meet growing demand, strengthen its role as a community hub and expand programming for individuals and families across the region.
Dormitory Authority of the State of New York President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, “This investment in the Albany JCC reflects how New York State is strengthening community spaces and expanding access to safe, modern recreational facilities. Through NY BRICKS and NY SWIMS, we’re helping deliver projects that support families, promote wellness and create opportunities for people of all ages to stay active and connected. DASNY is proud to partner with the Albany JCC to bring these improvements to life, and we thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership in advancing these investments across the state.”
CEO of the JCC’s of the Capital Region David Posner, said, “This investment marks a major step forward for the Albany JCC and the community we serve. With support from New York State and our partners, we are transforming our campus to better meet the needs of today while building for the future. These improvements will expand access to our programs, strengthen our facilities and ensure the Albany JCC remains a welcoming place for people of all ages and backgrounds. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and DASNY for their partnership in making this vision a reality.”
State Senator Patricia Fahy said, "For years, the Albany JCC has served our community as a trusted partner, safe space, and center that offers wrap-around services for so many of our neighbors. This funding cements the Albany JCC's place as a pillar in our community and will ensure they can continue to invest in modern, state-of-the-art facilities for our community, including its renowned swimming pool. Thank you to Governor Hochul and DASNY for recognizing the importance of the Albany JCC's impact on our Capital Region community.”
City of Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs said, "I want to thank Governor Hochul and DASNY for this significant investment in the Albany JCC, a space that has served as a cornerstone of community life in our city for generations. This funding will strengthen a facility that so many families, young people, and seniors rely on every day. Investments like this expand access to safe, modern recreational spaces and support the health and well-being of our residents. These upgrades will allow the Albany JCC to meet growing demand and continue serving as a welcoming space for the entire community. We are grateful to President Rodriguez and the team at DASNY for their partnership. This is the kind of investment that strengthens our neighborhoods and improves quality of life across Albany."