Students have spent three years waiting for repairs to a gym plagued by uneven floors, broken bleachers and flood damage, but school officials say renovations may finally be on the horizon.
Located in the building’s basement, the gym serves Pace, its adjunct schools and athletic programs. But issues with the aging facility have created challenges for physical education classes, sports practices and competitive games.
The low ceilings and an improper net system does not allow for Public School Athletic League approved volleyball games to be hosted in our gym. The floors are unlevel, causing dead spots for basketball athletes when dribbling. The three water fountains are either broken or dispense warm water.
Students and visiting athletes have also raised concerns about the floors and bleachers, some of which are broken, bent or disconnected.
In September 2023, an intense rainstorm caused a flood that resulted in the growth of a grainy black mold under the gym flooring. Ramata Diop and Carolyn Tavares, two Pacer NYC journalists, wrote a story on the condition of the gym. Their reporting helped secure support from City Councilman Christopher Marte, who later helped obtain $750,000 from New York City.
Despite the funding, the gym has still not received its facelift.
Since then, we have heard many rumors about when the gym will finally receive its facelift. Pace’s principal Mr. Glatz has been in communication with the other principals and the DOE to organize and push for the repairs.
He said he would “love to see them start early in the summer to have this done before September” to prevent interference with the girls and boys basketball seasons and the physical education classes. He advocates for the repairs whenever he gets the opportunity.
Mr. Glatz described the process of replacing the gym floors and amenities as “tedious.” He also explained that the process takes so long because of the School Construction Authority’s contractor selection process.
School officials remain hopeful that the repairs happen this summer and students can return to a fully functional gym in the fall.
