A monthly digest from Asphalt Green bringing you resources and news from the world of sports, fitness, and play.

VOL. 28 // AUGUST 2026

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

INTRODUCING AG IMPACT

When Asphalt Green first opened its doors over 50 years ago, we made a promise to New York City that every child, every family, and every community deserves the chance to experience world-class programs that let them move, play, and thrive.

Now,  we’re thrilled to share the next phase of Asphalt Green’s founding promise — one that honors your contribution and promises to deliver even more:

AG Impact

Asphalt Green's center for excellence promoting innovations and access in sports, fitness, and recreation.

By uniting partners, members, athletes, coaches, and thought leaders from across our community,  AG Impact delivers excellence at all levels of programming, advances new ideas that push our industry forward, and invests over $15 million each year to break down the barriers that keep too many on the sidelines.

With AG Impact, every rep you finish, dollar you give, and hour you volunteer helps New Yorkers live active, healthier lives.

SPORTS

FROM THE POOL TO THE FIELD, AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN: WE  TRANSFORM LIVES

HOW WAVE MAKERS IS LEADING THE CHARGE TO BRING SWIMMING TO ALL 

Last month, Asphalt Green celebrated New York City Council's $1.5 million investment to expand our Wave Makers Initiative and help us provide nearly 60,000 free swim lessons this fiscal year. The announcement followed the release of the Wave Makers' Universal Swim Report, outlining our impact, best practices in instruction, and a pathway toward providing swimming for all students in NYC. 

TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR CHILD'S FALL SPORT

This summer was a season of sports New York City will never forget. Asphalt Green is here to keep the momentum going this fall for athletes of all ages, levels, and abilities. Hear from our coaches for tips on how to sort through your options.

HOW WATERPROOFING TURNED NEW SWIMMERS TO LIFEGUARDS

For many participants in Waterproofing, Asphalt Green's first free water education program, learning to swim is about more than just water safety. It's about opening doors to a lifetime of health, connection, and opportunity. Nobody embodies this mission more than the five graduates who now serve as Waterproofing lifeguards to share their passion with the next generation. 

FITNESS 

TRAINING TIPS FOR COMPETITIVE ATHLETES

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR OFFSEASON 

For many competitive athletes, the offseason is the best window to address small imbalances, strength, and conditioning that can make all the difference during the season. AG Fitness explains how you can approach it. 

HOW AN ELITE ATHLETE TRAINS ON THE MAT

Ever wondered what it takes to train like an elite martial artist? In this behind-the-scenes reel, one of our expert martial arts coaches shares their journey in the sport, the classes they teach at Asphalt Green, and the strength, conditioning, and technical drills that keep them at the top of their game.

PLAY

WAVE MAKERS EXPANDS, PLUS AN INSIDE LOOK AT SUMMER DAY CAMP 

CELEBRATING WAVE MAKERS AT LEHMAN COLLEGE

Last month, we welcomed City Council Speaker Julie Menin, Council Members Shekar Krishnan and Eric Dinowitz, and  Gray Foundation CEO Dana Zucker to Lehman College to celebrate new funding for Wave Makers as over 20 students participated in a free swim lesson. Together, we shared a resounding message: With Wave Makers, it is possible to teach every New York City school student to swim.

BEHIND THE SCENES OF ASPHALT GREEN'S SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM

Before Asphalt Green's beloved Summer Day Camp program welcomed all its campers in June, our team spent an entire year preparing to make it our best summer yet. Find out what it takes to make New York City's favorite summer camp happen each year, and what makes it so special. 

COMING UP

EVENTS & MORE

FOR KIDS

• August 11-12 // AGUA Open Tryouts // Manhattan’s premier competitive swim team and one of the top clubs in the Northeast is hosting public tryouts for swimmers 6-10. Learn more and register.
  

• Now-August 13 // AGUA Swim Academy Lessons Giveaway // Your child's swim lessons could be on us! We're giving away one FREE fall 2026 semester of AGUA Swim Academy lessons for one child. Enter to win!
• Now-September 19 // Free Coed Basketball Clinics // Middle-school-aged kids are invited to join Asphalt Green Basketball every Saturday to develop their skills and build their confidence on the court. Register.

FOR YOU

• August 1-31 // New-Member Sale // Join as an annual member in August and pay $0 initiation plus earn a $50 program credit. Become a member.

• August 8, 15, and 22 // Summer Streets //  More than 20 miles of car-free roads across all five boroughs where you can enjoy free activities, interactive art, and  live performances. Stop by Asphalt Green's table and say hello! Learn more.
• Now-September 11 // Outdoor HIIT Camp // Join us on the Upper East Side for our free summer series of outdoor high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Learn more.