On April 21, the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club unveiled a $7.5 million renovation of its flagship Lucile Palmaro Clubhouse in Castle Hill, which serves hundreds of Bronx children and teens each day.
The renovated space includes colorful, modernized furnishings, a new state-of-the-art digital learning lab and a performing arts space. The existing game room, culinary arts kitchen and arts and crafts studio underwent a “complete transformation” that will allow the center to serve 100 more Bronx kids each day, in addition to the 400 or so already attending, according to the Club.
The Palmaro clubhouse originally opened in 1969 and had not undergone any major renovations since then. In addition to the revamped clubhouse, the adjacent Frederic R. Coudert Sports Complex offers other unique amenities, including a domed, cushioned turf field, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and the only ice skating rink in the Bronx.
“With this transformation, we’re not only honoring the legacy of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, but also ensuring that the next generation of Bronx youth have a safe and inspiring space where they can access the tools, mentorship, and support they need to thrive,” said Daniel Quintero, executive director of Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club in a statement. “As an alumni of Kips Bay, I experienced the impact of this Clubhouse firsthand, so for me, this is more than a renovation — it’s a reimagining of what’s possible for our kids.”
The project was funded by private donations, community partners, and public grants with the support of State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Assembly Member Karines Reyes, Assembly Member Emérita Torres and Council Member Amanda Farías.
These upgrades were completed just in time for the summer camp season, which runs June 30 through August 15. Families interested in enrolling youth and teens at the newly-renovated Lucile Palmaro Clubhouse can call (718) 893-8254 ext. 11225.
Reach Emily Swanson at eswanson@schnepsmedia.com or (646) 717-0015. For more coverage, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @bronxtimes
