FDNY-EMT Yadira Arroyo Playground

NYC PARKS & FDNY RENAME BLACKROCK PLAYGROUND IN HONOR OF YADIRA ARROYO

Park name changed to FDNY – EMT Yadira Arroyo Playground

Today, NYC Parks First Deputy Commissioner Liam Kavanagh joined FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro,State Assembly Member Karines Reyes, Community Board 9 District Manager William Rivera, family members of Yadira Arroyo, and community members to officially rename Blackrock Playground in honor of FDNY Emergency Medical Technician Yadira Arroyo.

“Parks are places we come to exercise, play, and reflect, and Yadira Arroyo will forever be remembered here in the newly renamed FDNY – EMT Yadira Arroyo Playground,” said Parks Deputy Commissioner Kavanagh. “Thanks to overwhelming support from the FDNY, our Elected Officials, the Community Board, and the family of Yadira Arroyo, we are proud to rename Blackrock Playground in her honor.”

“This park renaming is a fitting tribute to EMT Yadira Arroyo, who not only lived in this neighborhood but served as a protector and a highly-trained medical professional for the people of this community,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “Thanks to everyone from the Parks Department and Community Board 9, Yadira’s memory and legacy will live on forever in the borough that she bravely served.”

Yadira Arroyo, a 14-year FDNY Emergency Medical Technician, was a dedicated leader and public servant who gave her life for the community. She was tragically killed in the line of duty on March 16, 2017, one block from Blackrock Playground.

The decision to change the park name was made with strong support from the FDNY, local elected officials, Community Board 9, The Uniformed EMTs, Paramedics and Inspectors-FDNY, and the Hispanic Society Fire Department of the City of New York.

The newly renamed FDNY – EMT Yadira Arroyo Playground was designed with input from the students of the nearby P.S. 119 and most recently renovated in April 2019. The playground offers a green and leafy place to play, from the color of the play equipment to that of the nearby large shady trees. A central water play area, used on hot days, divides the playground into two sections--one for older children and one for younger kids and tots.