Our Mission
The Family Recreation Center was built in 2005 under our former Mayor, Frank Leak. It is run under the Youth and Family Services Department. We service the Village of Colonie residents and the South Colonie School District. Our purpose is to create a “Fun, safe, non-threatening environment where Village residents, families and children always feel welcome.”
Come Visit
To use the facility, you must provide current identification every time you visit and sign in. Children with school IDs must provide them to enter. Any child who does not have an ID must have an adult with identification. We ask everyone to sign-in so we are able to identify individuals in case of emergency; signatures also help us know how many residents we are serving.
Open gym time during the week is for residents to drop in, use and share the basketball court. The Village reserves the right to cancel open gym as needed. Different organizations book gym time during the day, so residents are always welcome to call first to see if open gym is still available.
The Family Recreation Center is also available for Village Residents and Businesses to rent. For more information please go to the Facilities Rentals.
The Building
GYM: A basketball gym with a full court and two hoops, and is also lined for pickleball. It works great for hosting large events, sport practices, and Village events.
GAMEROOM: Inside, we provide an air hockey, a ping pong and a pool table. It’s great for all ages to hang out and play.
COMPUTER ROOM: It has two computers from the South Colonie School District, a TV, multiple board games, and coloring activities. It’s the perfect place for meetings, classes, family visitations, and general computer access.
KITCHEN: We have a large full kitchen that is available for renters. It has a commercial refrigerator, a freezer, a gas six burner oven, a microwave, ample counter space and an island; there is also a window and a door to the gym to make serving and supervision easier.
OTHER: Handicap accessible bathrooms. Ample parking for events. Heated and air conditioned. Vending machines. Folding tables and chairs for renters to use.
SAFETY: Safety is always our first priority in the Rec Center; we have a First Aid Kit and a defribulator, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and a backup generator with cameras to keep everyone safe.
Family Recreation Center
Directions to the Family Rec Center
FROM THE EAST:
Take SR-7 towards 87 South (Northway)
Take Northway to Exit 2W
Take Exit 2W.
At third traffic light (Cumberland Farms & Dunkin Donuts are on your left), take a right onto Locust Park.
Approximately 500 feet, take the first right onto Thunder Road and the Village Municipal Complex.
Follow the road as it curves to the right up a slight hill.
We are the second building on your right, directly behind the Colonie Fire House.
FROM THE WEST:
Take I-90 (Gov. Thomas E. Dewey Thruway) to Exit 24.
After toll booth – take Exit 1N. Proceed to Exit 2W towards Schenectady.
Take Exit 2W onto Central Avenue (Route 5)
At third traffic light (Cumberland Farms & Dunkin Donuts are on your left), take a right onto Locust Park.
Approximately 500 feet, take the first right onto Thunder Road and the Village Municipal Complex.
Follow the road as it curves to the right up a slight hill.
We are the second building on your right, directly behind the Colonie Fire House.
Events
With the help of other departments, the Youth and Family Services Department at the Recreation Center hosts special events for Village Residents throughout the year. Check out some of our favorites that have been staples over the years. All dates are available in your quarterly Villager that is delivered to all Village residents.
Easter Bunny Parade
The Easter Bunny drives around all the residential streets in the Village to visit the families that come out to greet him; take your picture and a treat! Dates are provided in your quarterly Villager!
Family Fun Day
Come out to celebrate! This event is free to Village residents, so bring your families, and have a day of fun. We provide games, art, contests, and food.
Summer Shed Program
Sheds at Cook and Locust Park are staffed during the weekdays in July and August for games and crafts. They also enjoy fieldtrips across the Capital District and pool days at the Colonie Town Pool!
Kids Night Out
Take a break, drop the kids off for some fun. Summer staff arranges games and activities to keep them busy and entertained.
Ice Cream Social
We partner with the Town of Colonie Band and Stewarts Ice Cream for a wonderful evening out for friends and family at the Frank A. Leak Amphitheater in Cook Park. Come enjoy a sweet treat and some local music!
Haunted House
It gets better every year! The Department of Public Works transforms the entire gym at the Recreation Center into a haunted maze of rooms. We offer hay rides up from the parking area and cider and donuts to comfort you at the end. Are you brave enough to escape the maze?
Kids Halloween Party
Come dressed up for some Halloween fun! Great for families of little ones. Children will enjoy goodie bags, snacks, raffles, and pumpkin painting, and some time showing off your awesome costumes!
Christmas Tree Lighting
We celebrate with the Village’s own Christmas tree located in front of the Colonie Fire House. We begin this season of holiday cheer with local school children, parents, families, and friends, singing christmas carols, visiting with Santa, cookies and cocoa afterwards.
The Santa Parade
Santa and his helpers drive around all the residential streets in the Village to visit the families that come out to greet him! Residents can come out, check their Christmas lists, take a quick picture and receive a sweet treat! Dates are provided in your quarterly Villager!
Breakfast with Santa
Enjoy a homecooked breakfast with your children prepared by the VFW, craft goodie bag and a visit with the big man himself! Santa takes a break from his workshop to visit the children of the Village, hand out presents and take pictures!
Meet the Family Rec. Center Staff
Brian Casey
Contact Information
Biography
Brian Casey has been a Youth Monitor at the Family Recreation Center since 2004. He manages the activities of the Family Center and is committed to helping create a safe non-threatening environment for kids and families to come and enjoy. He is a veteran of the US Navy and a retired Colonie Police Officer of 31 years. He was an original Resource Officer at Colonie High School and D.A.R.E. Officer. He has been a Scout leader for over 25 years. He has served on the Colonie Youth Center Board and currently serves on the Board of Education for the South Colonie Central School District. Other than his role as Youth Monitor, he handles all the bookings for the rentals of Village facilities, coordinates with the Colonie High School Alternate Education Program, and reviews bands for the “Tuesday Nights in the Park” Summer Program and is a member of the Amphitheater committee.