NEW YORK CITY — Dozens of schools will get renovated gyms over the next few years as part of the city's $385 million initiative to provide physical education to all students.
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the plan at P.S. 81 in Ridgewood, where students climb up five stories to a makeshift gym at the top of the school.
He watched a demonstration of soccer drills before a press conference, but said the space isn't adequate for the type of fitness kids need.
"Kids need physical education for their bodies, but they also need it for their minds," he said.
The mayor — whose own gym routine has been the subject of scrutiny — said establishing healthy routines, in proper facilities, will stay with students forever.
"It will teach them the habits they need for the rest of their lives," he said.
The first phase of the initiative will create gyms in 76 schools across the city that are currently without any specific space for it.
Construction will continue over the next four years, and includes $10.5 million in new capital funding from the recent budget.
If schools can't find space for physical education, they can lease it at a nearby space — which the city is setting aside $1.8 million for, officials said.
“Every student needs quality physical education to stay healthy and remain focused during the school day," Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña said.
Gym class will get a boost, too, with better-trained physical education teachers and curriculum, she said.
Officials said it will be a challenge to find space, particularly in overcrowded districts like Districts 24 and 30 in Queens.
Department of Education officials will assess schools with large yards that can accommodate space for stand-alone gyms.
They'll also work "very closely with local community-based organizations, YMCAs and so-forth to see if there's gym space nearby schools that we can lease," said Elizabeth Rose, the DOE's deputy chancellor of strategy and policy.
"We may end up with a few schools that have a greater challenge and we'll do our best to find an appropriate solution for them," she added.
See a map of which schools will have new gyms over the next four years:
