St. Andrew's Playground

NYC PARKS & CITY PLANNING ANNOUNCE FULL TRANSFORMATION OF ST. ANDREW'S PLAYGROUND IN BED-STUY AS CITY INVESTS IN CENTRAL BROOKLYN REDESIGN

The $23.9M project comes as the City advances a community-driven planning process reimagining the Atlantic Avenue corridor as a vibrant, mixed-use community

Today, NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Dan Garodnick, City Council Member Chi Ossé, City Council Member Crystal Hudson, and community members gathered to celebrate the dedication of $23.9M for a full renovation of St. Andrew’s Playground in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. The project will completely renovate the park, installing new play areas, upgraded sports amenities including a brand new track, flexible seating, storm resiliency infrastructure, ADA-accessible entrances, and more. Parks had previously announced a partial reconstruction in the park, focused on the playground areas; thanks to the additional funding, Parks will be able to complete a full renovation of the entire park site, creating a beautiful and cohesive community greenspace for Brooklynites to enjoy for generations.

The funding announcement comes on the heels of a major step forward for the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan (AAMUP), a community-led vision for a stretch of roughly 13 blocks along Atlantic Avenue and adjacent streets. Following more than eight months of community engagement and the release of a Community Vision and Priorities report, the Adams Administration recently advanced a draft zoning framework that will encourage the development of a lively, mixed-use business and residential corridor in the heart of Central Brooklyn.

“Housing and public space go hand in hand. We’re so grateful that alongside the AAMUP’s goal of adding approximately 4,000 new homes in Central Brooklyn, Mayor Adams has made the critical investment needed to completely renovate St. Andrew’s Playground for the first time in 20 years,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “With new play areas for kids, revamped sports facilities, additional seating and shade, storm resiliency infrastructure, and more, we are investing in a community space that the neighborhood can cherish for generations. I can’t wait to see the park's transformation begin!”

“Open space was identified as a key priority throughout the AAMUP engagement process, which is why we are so excited to be delivering these improvements to such a vital neighborhood park,” said DCP Director Dan Garodnick. “By pairing zoning changes with key investments like these, we’ll deliver an even more vibrant and active Central Brooklyn.”

“I am deeply proud of the work we all put into this, and inspired by the results,” said Council Member Chi Ossé, whose district includes St. Andrews Playground. “Thanks to the combined efforts of our Council offices and executive agencies, Crown Heights & Bed-Stuy will see a historic investment of tens of millions of dollars to develop this park to its full potential. Much-needed green space, a renovated playground, enhanced athletic facilities, and more will build this neighborhood gem into the gold standard for public spaces. I’m thrilled to see this piece of Brooklyn receiving the love it deserves.”

“Parks are not just sites of joy and recreation. They are also environments that are especially conducive to nurturing and strengthening our shared sense of community. When considering changes to our built environment, we must guarantee that these same changes spur improvements that benefit all residents. Today’s announcement from the Department of City Planning and NYC Parks is a testament to this belief and the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan’s potential to deliver tangible results for our neighbors. As a new mother, I’m heartened by an investment of this size in our community, securing the installation of sorely needed upgrades and ensuring our youth and our communities have the opportunity to play, to congregate, and to build community for years to come,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson.

As part of the project, Parks will install a brand new, synthetic turf multi-use field with a running track; renovated playground spaces with new play areas for toddlers and children ages 5-12, including swing sets and a spray shower; new flexible seating and gathering spaces; additional shade trees and plantings; and green infrastructure for stormwater management. Parks will also upgrade the existing sports facilities, including basketball and handball courts, renovate the existing public restroom for ADA-accessibility, and install new accessible entrances to the park.

The $23.9M investment consists of $13M allocated through the New York City Strategy for Equity and Economic Development (NYC SEED) Fund, managed by DCP, and $10.9 million allocated through NYC Parks’ Community Parks Initiative (CPI).