Our Story

Our Mission

The mission of the CRC is to offer year-round swimming, fitness, and recreational opportunities that promote healthy lifestyles for people of all ages from the surrounding communities.

The employees of the Catskill Recreation Center take this mission to heart. Their focus is on assisting members and guests in meeting their fitness goals by cultivating a supportive community environment where everyone is given the opportunity to challenge themselves.

Our Vision

A healthier, happier and more resilient Catskills

Healthy, active, socially-connected people make vibrant and resilient communities. The CRC supports health and wellbeing for people of all ages locally and throughout the Catskills. Through partnerships and collaborations, we’ll deliver year-round, innovative programs that support the diverse recreational opportunities of the region. We’ll grow participation through innovation and by being responsive to the health and wellbeing needs of the community. The CRC will become the fitness and wellbeing hub of the Catskills.

Our Values

S.W.E.A.T.

Safety Welcoming Encouraging Accepting Together

Safety

Safety is our top priority. We’re proactive, vigilant and responsive.

Welcoming

We aim to make everyone feel a sense of belonging, by being kind, friendly and approachable.

Encouraging

We actively support and inspire members to reach transformative fitness and wellness goals.

Accepting

We treat everyone with respect, creating an environment that is inclusive, diverse and accessible.

Together

We’re a team that communicates effectively. We work hard and support each other.

Our History

The late Kingdon Gould, Jr. (1924-2018), a lifelong sports enthusiast with deep roots in the Catskill Mountains, conceived of and generously funded the Catskill Recreation Center. The CRC opened with a splash on June 6th 2014 with the mission to “offer year-round swimming, fitness, and recreational opportunities that promote healthy lifestyles for people of all ages from the surrounding communities”. 

VIP Structures of Syracuse headed up the construction of the $5 million project which consists of a 24,000 square foot building that houses a 6-lane 25-yard pool, locker rooms, a fully-equipped fitness room, a meeting room, and a group-exercise/multi-purpose room. The building incorporates many  energy-saving and earth-friendly features, including a 214-panel solar array, 25 geothermal wells, pool covers, LED lighting, water-bottle filling station, and recycling bins. The six acres that surround the CRC are available for outdoor recreation uses. In 2018 a sand volleyball court and a steam-cleaning station for boats on the reservoirs were added, and a half-mile pedestrian trail was opened Summer 2020.

The Catskill Recreation Center has become an energetic regional hub where fitness, friendship and fun go hand-in-hand; where members build skills and conditioning; where community health is improving; where adults and children enjoy swimming year round, and where annual events are becoming traditions. Whether you are a swimming or love working out in the gym, the CRC invites you to join our diverse and friendly community of members and supporters.