Governor Kathy Hochul has announced 30 awards totaling $100 million through the Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS) capital grant program. The funding will support municipalities and nonprofit organizations across New York State in constructing or renovating community centers that promote physical health, mental well-being, and stronger community connections for children, families, and seniors.
The awards, secured in the FY 2026 Enacted Budget, will benefit nearly 400,000 New Yorkers. More than 90 percent of the funding will support projects in underserved communities. Grant awards range from $260,000 to $15 million and will fund design, construction, renovation, and land acquisition.
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“Today, we’re delivering on our commitment to build stronger, healthier communities in every corner of New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “NY BRICKS grants will create affordable and accessible spaces where kids can play, families can connect, and seniors can stay active and engaged.”
Projects were selected based on need, community impact, and readiness, with priority given to underserved areas and facilities offering affordable services such as childcare, eldercare, recreation, and mental health support. Each award requires a 20 percent matching contribution.
State officials praised the initiative:
- DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said the grants represent “a major investment in the heart of our communities,” noting the statewide benefit from Long Island to the North Country.
- OPRHP Commissioner Kathy Moser described community centers as vital spaces that “help families find safe places to connect, play, and access essential services.”
- State legislators, including Senators José Serrano and Roxanne Persaud, applauded the program’s focus on strengthening infrastructure and serving underserved neighborhoods.
- Queens Community House CEO Ben Thomases thanked the state for its $5 million grant to transform the Pomonok Community Center, saying that investing in community centers is “investing in neighborhoods for generations to come.”
Funding Highlights
The grants will support projects in 22 counties statewide. Examples include:
Capital Region
- Albany Jewish Community Center – $5M for expansion and renovation
- Civic Center of Moreau – $712K for renovations
Central New York
- Catholic Charities of Onondaga County – $1.35M for upgrades
- Town of Volney – $4.67M for a new community center
Long Island
- Hempstead – $15M for a new community center
- Long Beach – $539K for center renovations
Mid-Hudson
- Kingston – $3M for renovations
- Village of Haverstraw – $4.56M for additions and upgrades
New York City
- BronxWorks – $5M for improvements at its Grand Concourse location
- NYC Parks Department – $15M for a new center in the Bronx
- Queens Community House – $5M for renovation of its Pomonok facility
North Country
- United Helpers Care, Ogdensburg – $9.88M for a new community center
- Chemung County Economic Opportunity Program – $7.51M for expansion
Western New York
- City of Salamanca – $277K for renovations
- Jamestown Boys & Girls Club – $260K for facility upgrades
A full list of awardees is available at the NY BRICKS site.
Part of the “Unplug and Play” Initiative
NY BRICKS forms a major component of Governor Hochul’s broader “Unplug and Play” initiative, which encourages physical activity and reduced screen time for youth and families. The initiative includes:
- $100M for NY BRICKS
- $67.5M for NY PLAYS, supporting playground construction
- $150M for NY SWIMS, plus $90M added in FY 2026 for swimming facility renovations and construction
The BRICKS program is jointly administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP).
