John F. Kennedy Recreation & Aquatic Center
About
The John F. Kennedy Recreation & Aquatic Center in Newark offers mixed martial arts training alongside a comprehensive community recreation facility. The center provides a well-equipped gym for adults 18 and up, with memberships available for less than $10, and offers open play for children 8 and up at no cost. Beyond martial arts, the facility features basketball courts, volleyball, track programs, and organized sports teams, making it a versatile hub for athletic development. Equipment is provided for various activities, creating an accessible environment for families and individuals seeking diverse fitness options.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members describe the center as a valuable community resource with affordable pricing and diverse programming for both children and adults. Several reviewers praise the positive impact of past coaching staff, specifically mentioning a beloved basketball coach who created a special atmosphere. However, multiple reviews express concerns about behavioral issues among some patrons, including disrespectful conduct, vaping, and occasional conflicts that detract from the experience. Practical suggestions include extending operating hours beyond the current Sunday and Monday closures, improving floor maintenance during winter months, and updating gym equipment to enhance the overall facility.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Johnny Peter
4 months ago
I love JFK I was going there since I was about 12 years old it’s just one tiny problem to many of these young thugs always trying to come in playing around running and they disrespectful they how they dress sneaking vapes in weapons but it’s good place if they not there
Lena Gilmore
3 months ago
This is a great Rec center! I feel like when it was at its best we when the basketball coach that died was there. He was the greatest!! It’s sad that he passed and it honestly hasn’t been the same but you know what they say..time goes on..
S T
2 months ago
A real gem for kids in Newark. I like the fact that n kids can openly play here during the week and on Saturdays. Kids and adults played basketball, amd volleyball. I was told they have track, their own basketball team, martial arts and more. There is a well equipped gym for 18 and up. They have memberships less than $10. Open play for kids looks like 8 and up are free. They provide the equipment to play. Only thing is the floors were super slippery because of the salt. Have a large bucket of water at the door whith towels during this time.... clean the gym floor well and have everyone when they sign their name or by the metal detectors step in the water and dry rub them off with the towel. Change out the water when needed. This will help in the winter from snow. Overall my son cant wait to go back. I wish they had more places this closer to home.
Khalia King
3 months ago
Being closed on sunday and Monday is super crazy for a recreation center. And the closing times should atleast at 1 more hour. The gym is cool. Need new machines overall cool place.
Uriok Jerry
5 months ago
The place would be way better if they actually cleaned the basketball courts, and there wasn’t just a bunch of thugs fighting in the bathroom or just stealing. The place overall isn’t bad it’s just the people that go inside of it, everyone wants to either fight or steal if it’s not those two, then the kids in there are just arguing and plotting to catch you outside of the recreation center🤦🏾♂️
Contact
211 W Kinney St, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed