The transition will be a significant change for the 175,000-square-foot recreation hub, which has served Brooklyn families, youth sports leagues, schools and community organizations since 2008. The facility, housed inside the historic hangars at Floyd Bennett Field, has been a longtime fixture for indoor and outdoor athletics, special events and recreational programming.

According to the company, its immediate priorities include maintaining existing programming where possible, assessing the condition of the complex, strengthening partnerships with community organizations and identifying opportunities to expand access to the facility.

“We understand how important this facility has been to the community and the role it has played for families across Brooklyn and beyond,” Frank Pikus, CEO of ExplorUS, said in a statement. “Our priority is to restore trust in the facility, support the programs and recreational opportunities the community values, and take a thoughtful approach to bringing the complex back to life in a way that reflects what this community wants and needs.”

Today’s announcement comes after months of uncertainty surrounding the future of the former Aviator Sports and Events Center. Earlier this year, the longtime operator announced plans to shutter its indoor facilities, prompting widespread concern from families, athletes and elected officials who feared the loss of one of Brooklyn’s largest youth sports and recreation hubs.

In March, hundreds of parents, coaches, youth athletes and community leaders rallied outside the complex, urging the National Park Service to keep the facility open and quickly select a new operator. Speakers warned that a closure would displace youth hockey, gymnastics, soccer and other programs that serve thousands of Brooklyn families. The uncertainty also sparked calls from elected officials for a seamless transition to avoid disrupting community programming

The announcement appears to answer those concerns. Gateway Hospitality said it is currently working with existing partners, including FC Copa, Aviator Hockey & Figure Skating LLC, Green Meadow Farms, Xavier High School and Xavierian High School, while continuing discussions with additional organizations interested in using the complex. Scheduled activities and existing partnerships will continue whenever possible during the transition, the company said.

Families with questions about leagues, practices or other programming are encouraged to check directly with their respective organizations, which will continue to provide the latest scheduling information.

The company said the first phase of the transition will focus on evaluating the facility, preparing operations, completing cleanup efforts and determining how to safely increase public access and programming. Longer-term improvements will depend on the condition of the complex, operational feasibility and community feedback.

Because the sports complex is located within the historic Floyd Bennett Field property, any major improvements will also be coordinated with the National Park Service.

Gateway Hospitality is also seeking public input as it plans the future of the complex. Community members, including families, athletes, coaches and neighborhood stakeholders, will be able to submit suggestions and concerns through community@floydbennett.com, a dedicated email address established by the operator.

The newly renamed Floyd Bennett Sports Complex will continue to make its facilities available for youth sports, recreation, educational programming, community events and other activities as planning moves forward.