Thanks for sharing! Please see attached letter that Councilmember Narcisse sent out to the National Park Service urging them to expedite the decision process to ensure that there is no disruption in the valuable sports and services provided by Aviator Sports & Event Center.

Best,
Office of Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse

Letter to the National Park Service:

March 19, 2025

Superintendent Minka Sendich
Gateway National Recreation Area
210 New York Avenue
Staten Island, New York 10305

Dear Superintendent Sendich:

I am writing to express my strong concern regarding the potential closure of Aviator Sports and Events Center located on Floyd Bennett Field, a vital recreational facility in Brooklyn. Aviator serves as a critical resource for families, athletes, and community organizations in District 46, providing essential programs in sports such as hockey, basketball, gymnastics, and more.

As you are aware, Aviator is Brooklyn's only dedicated ice hockey facility, supporting hundreds of players at all levels. The facility also offers affordable and high-quality sports programs that promote health, wellness, and community engagement to so many in our community. The closure of Aviator would have severe consequences, including the loss of a vital sports hub for young athletes and the disruption of key programs for local schools and families. The facility's current lease is set to expire in April, and there is considerable concern over the delay in selecting a new operator for the center.

According to the timeline, the decision may extend beyond the expiration of the lease, creating a potential gap that threatens to disrupt Aviator's operations. This uncertainty places a great stress on the community, particularly for those who depend on Aviator's services.

I urge the National Park Service to expedite the operator selection process and ensure that there is no interruption to Aviator's programs. This facility is an irreplaceable resource for the families, athletes, and organizations in Brooklyn, and its closure would significantly impact the future of youth sports in our I ask for your immediate attention to this matter and hope that the National Park Service will act swiftly to guarantee the continued operation of Aviator Sports and Events Center.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your prompt response

Sincerely,
Mercedes Narcisse
Member of the NYC Council