Berry Houses Welcomes Upgraded Gym for Youth Boxing, Fitness 

Fitness is just part of the lesson at a newly expanded workout center at Staten Island’s Berry Houses. 

Inside the state-of-the-art gym, local youth are not only finding a way to stay active and fit through boxing and exercising, but also discovering an alternative to street life. For several years, the NYC Cops & Kids boxing program – run by former and current NYPD officers – has been providing free boxing classes at the development for boys and girls ages 12 to 21, through a partnership with NYCHA.  

“It’s so important to keep these kids off the street and put them in a positive environment,” said Pat Russo, Cops & Kids Executive Director and retired NYPD sergeant. “We couldn’t do it without NYCHA providing us with the facility, and we’re appreciative of that.”  

Now, thanks to a collaboration between NYCHA, the NYPD boxing team, and local elected officials, including Assemblyman Mike Cusick and Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, the program has converted its space into the NYC Cops & Kids Fitness Center. With the addition of an adjacent 1,500-square-foot room, the new facility is complete with treadmills, elliptical and bicycle machines, rubber floor mats, and weightlifting equipment. The gym, which received painting, mirrors, and other renovations, was also supported by corporate donors, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and New York Giants.   

Cops & Kids staff were joined by community members, elected officials, and representatives from NYCHA and the NYPD to celebrate the official opening of the upgraded workout area at Berry Houses on August 3. While the program previously had a dedicated room with a boxing ring and heavy bags, the larger space offers a wider range of exercise options and can serve twice the number of youth for free, Mr. Russo noted.   

“We’re very excited,” said Mr. Russo, who served in the NYPD for 20 years. “It’s a real fitness center, which is what we always wanted, because not every kid wants to box but a lot of kids want to work out.”   

Approximately 40 to 50 young residents regularly attend the boxing lessons each weekday. Cops & Kids also offers programming at Park Hill Apartments in Staten Island and Flatbush Gardens in Brooklyn.  

“We want to let people know that it’s not all about boxing; it’s about fitness and education,” said the executive director, referring to financial awards given to participants for good grades. 

Nancy Ortiz, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Public Safety at NYCHA, helped connect Mr. Russo with Interim Vice President of Queens/Staten Island Public Housing Operations Cesar Gonzalez and Staten Island Neighborhood Administrator Carlos Falu, in the effort to secure the additional space for the fitness center. She praised the boxing program’s impact in providing a positive outlet for young people in the community.  

“It’s been a very positive program that they have with the kids and boxing,” said Ms. Ortiz, pointing to the mentorship from law enforcement. “Sometimes these kids need that male figure or role model in their life.”  

Mr. Russo also touted the bonds formed between officers and neighborhood youth by interacting through sport.  

“It helps build a positive relationship because you’re in a positive environment interacting with the kids,” he said. “It builds long-term relationships.”  

Many of the participants over the years have been inspired to become police officers themselves, and some have even had successful athletic careers, including four U.S. Olympians, Mr. Russo said.  

For more information on NYC Cops & Kids, visit www.copsandkidsboxing.com.