The Williamsbridge Oval Park Recreation Center has made a comeback and the city Parks Department has taken it to a new level by introducing a computer lab for the community.

The computer lab found in the second floor of the granite building is new to the recreation center, but has already become one of the more popular spaces. The lab holds eights PCs, thanks to the Parks Department‘s partnership with New York Public Library. The Computer Resource Center manages the free lab, giving computer access to kids and teens so they can keep up with their schoolwork.

But on top of being a space to work, the computer lab is also

a place to learn. Ana Maria Campos, the director of Computer Resource Centers citywide, said Parks leans more

towards “academic enrichment opportunities” than having teens log onto Facebook. “I get psyched about kids learning about programming, or video production with a community focus,” said Campos.

One-day classes are taught, including one on Internet safety, where teens learn how to protect themselves online.

On a recent wintry afternoon, Tiffany Pena, 15, a student at Cathedral High School and a regular visitor had just left the lab after taking advantage of the facility, satisfied with the free perks. “The computer lab is helpful to other teenagers and myself,” said Tiffany. “We can now do homework there, do research, or just hang out and play games.”

The lab offers students a space to do their homework or any school-related work any day of the week from 3 to 7 p.m. In the few weeks since it opened, the center staff has seen the space fill up after school. “We do see a lot of interest in open access,” said Campos, referring to teenagers simply browsing the Internet without having to take a class.

One visitor, Genesis Duran, 15, a student at Discovery High School, dropped off her little brother Luis, 13, at the lab so she could hit the center’s first floor fitness room. “It’s helpful because [the computer lab will] give kids the opportunity to explore the web and get knowledge,” she said.

The Recreation Center re-opened in late November after three years of construction by the Parks Department. The community was angry over delays related to the $5.2 million project that included a total makeover. About $1 million was spent on the computer lab along with a fitness room, a game room, a cycling room, improved locker rooms and upgraded bathrooms.

Only rec center members may use the resource lab and other facilities. Membership prices range from $100 to $150 for adults (ages 25 to 61), $25 a year for seniors (62 and over) and young adults (18 to 24). Membership is free for youth under 18.