Annual Community Report
December 2008
At the end of each calendar year, Chelsea Piers reflects on its outreach efforts to the surrounding neighborhoods. Chelsea Piers sends out an update to local elected officials as well as community board members to keep them abreast of Chelsea Piers' recent neighborhood-related activities.
As we look forward to the new year, with both its challenges and opportunities, Chelsea Piers remains committed to creating an environment where New Yorkers can enjoy healthy recreation with family and friends.
Below, you'll find information from Chelsea Piers' 2008 Annual Community Report. The report is divided into three sections:
Click here to learn about specific contributions made by Chelsea Piers in 2008.
Chelsea Piers Goes Green
Chelsea Piers launched a complex-wide green initiative, which includes the purchase of green power, the establishment of an on-site recycling program and investments in energy-saving infrastructure improvements. Effective October 1, 2008, Chelsea Piers began purchasing 100% green wind power equal to its annual projected electricity usage. This purchase will offset over 13,344 metric tons of electricity-related greenhouse gas emissions, an annual amount equal to taking 2,856 cars off the road.
One of the key components of the Chelsea Piers green initiative is the grassroots employee support program. More than 40 employees are volunteering their time to "Green Teams" at each venue and analyzing their business practices in order to "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Reeducate." We have implemented white paper and bottles/cans recycling programs, spent over $500,000 to install energy-efficient lighting fixtures, began using biodegradable food packaging at the Sports Center Café, switched to environmentally friendly cleaning products and began printing marketing materials on recycled post-consumer paper, including this letter!
As part of the green initiative, Chelsea Piers hosted the Science Barge, New York's only sustainable urban farm. The public was invited to explore the floating greenhouse that is powered by the sun, wind and biofuels. Due to overwhelming demand, Chelsea Piers asked the farm to remain docked at the Piers for an extra two weeks to give local Chelsea schools an opportunity to visit.
The Sports Center community contributed to the green movement with a MillionsTreesNYC Dance Benefit. Sports Center instructors, members and friends rallied together on November 10, 2008, for an evening of high-energy, show-stopping hip-hop, jazz, ballet and modern dance performances. The benefit raised $2,000 and 100% of the proceeds were donated to MillionTreesNYC. Two trees will be planted in Chelsea from the donation.
Our green journey is a process – we will not be perfect on Day 1. Our goal is to establish a path for constant improvement. We are excited to be taking this first important step.
Scholarship Funds & Youth Support
Chelsea Piers is committed to giving children from all backgrounds the opportunity to learn and play through involvement in sports activities. To this end, Chelsea Piers Management supports two scholarship funds, as well as other programs, that enable disadvantaged children to participate in camps and activities at Chelsea Piers and throughout the city. This past year, Chelsea Piers donated more than $750,000 in scholarships and charitable donations.
In 2008, the Chelsea Piers Scholarship Fund sponsored 297 children from the five boroughs. To select scholarship recipients, the Fund works with organizations including the Fresh Air Fund, Figure Skating in Harlem, the Cornelia Connelly Center and New Alternatives for Children, and also accepts individual applications for specific programs. Chelsea Piers L.P. made a founding grand to the scholarship fund in 1996, and as part of its 10th Anniversary Celebration, made a $500,000 pledge to the Scholarship Fund payable over 10 years. Additionally, Chelsea Piers Management provides significant discounts on all scholarship programs and provides substantial resources for the Fund's administration and fundraising efforts so that 97% of money raised goes directly to deserving children.
The Sky Rink Youth Scholarship Fund provides financial support to children in need who wish to participate in youth hockey and figure skating programs at Sky Rink. Established in 1991, the Scholarship Fund has granted more than 1,583 scholarships. This year, 151 children received scholarships. Chelsea Piers is a principal contributor to the Scholarship Fund; another source of donations is the annual spring benefit, Sail into Spring, which raised $137,000 this year alone.
In Spring 2003, the Golf Club at Chelsea Piers was the first metropolitan area golf club to become an affiliate of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York. In 2005, it became a fully operational teaching facility for The First Tee. This past year, the Golf Club donated 141 hours of instruction and 705 hours of stall rentals to need-based youth golfers. Local schools and organizations, such as Hudson Guild and PS 11, participate in The First Tee programs at the Chelsea Piers Golf Club.
One of the Best Places to Work in NYC
In addition to reaching out to fellow community organizations, Chelsea Piers is also committed to fostering a fun, dynamic and rewarding work environment for all of its employees. Crain's New York Business recently ranked Chelsea Piers among the top ten medium-sized firms in its list of the best places to work in New York City. Crain's wrote, "Taking cues from employee focus groups, Chelsea Piers aids its workers—whether they're fitness fanatics, parents of tots or advocates of eco-consciousness." A testament to the collegial atmosphere, Chelsea Piers, which opened in 1995, has 346 employees who have worked here for at least 5 years and 137 employees who have made the Piers their home for more than 10 years.
Chelsea Piers is proud of the role it plays both on the Piers and beyond their boundaries, and is committed to forging lasting relationships with community organizations. I sincerely enjoy working with all of you throughout the year, and would appreciate any comments or feedback you'd like to share.
