Bronx River Parkway

NYC PARKS CUTS THE RIBBON ON THE $4.35 MILLION PARQUE DE LOS NINOS RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, today joined Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., New York City Council Member Ruben Diaz Sr., New York State Assembly Member Marcos A. Crespo, representatives from Bronx Community Board 9, and members of the community to cut the ribbon on the reconstructed Parque de los Niños.

“I’m proud to complete the second phase of the Parque de los Niños project and unveil this beloved park’s beautiful new amenities,” said Commissioner Silver. “With the brand new track, turf soccer field, and renovated ball fields, we have diversified the park’s recreation spaces, transforming it into a world class facility for the community.”

"Creating and investing in facilities that allow children to run around and be kids, rather than stay at home and play video games or binge on television, has been very important to me, since taking office," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. "Providing quality park spaces, such as Parque de los Niños, is paramount for our '#Not62' health initiative as we work to build a healthier Bronx. What starts off as 'kids being kids;' running around and having fun in our park spaces; becomes the building blocks to developing a healthier lifestyle habits as our kids become adults."

“I am always excited to unveil new parks and playgrounds in my district, but Parque de los Niños holds a special place in my heart,” said Council Member Ruben Diaz Sr. “Since 2001, I have hosted the Morrison Ave Festival on the perimeter of Parque de los Niños and it has been in desperate need of capital renovations for years. People of all ages use this park to soak up the sun, play basketball, baseball, soccer and they will be ecstatic once they see the dramatic improvements made by the Parks Department.”

Assembly Member Marcos A. Crespo commented, “This amazing park sits in the very heart of my community. It has been the epicenter of growth and opportunity for generations of kids in soundview, but now, with these major improvements, it also offers state of the art facilities, healthier and more enjoyable amenities as well as a resounding message of love and respect for our neighborhood. Our children deserve the very best, and thanks to the Efforts of NYC Parks and my colleagues in government, we will give the very best to the families who visit and build their life long memories at el Parque de Los Niños.”

The reconstructed park now features a brand new synthetic turf mini soccer field; a new 160 meter running track with a 100 meter straightaway sprint lane; and completely reconstructed ballfields including newly skinned infields, natural turf outfields, and ADA accessible dugouts.

New passive amenities in the park include a drinking fountain, misting station, and bike racks, as well as shaded bleacher and bench seating. A planting bed with a mix of native trees, shrubs, and groundcover has also been added.

The $4.35 million project was funded by an $802,000 allocation from Mayor Bill de Blasio, $2.75 million from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and $800,000 from New York City Council Member Ruben Diaz Sr.