Brookville Park

NYC PARKS CELEBRATES $3.1 MILLION IN IMPROVEMENTS TO TENNIS COURT AND PICNIC AREA IN BROOKVILLE PARK

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, joined New York State Senator James Sanders Jr., City Council Member Donovan Richards, Community Board 13 District Manager Mark McMillan, Brookville Park Tennis Club Vice President Jeff Lacy, and local community members to cut the ribbon on six newly renovated tennis courts and a picnic area at Brookville Park.

“Brookville Park offers everything from sports fields to biking paths,” said Commissioner Silver. “The upgraded tennis courts and picnic areas will enhance this vital Rosedale green space and make Brookville Park an even more attractive place for the entire community to enjoy.”

“The parks in District 31 are one of the most important features of my district, which is why I am always proud to fund renovations and improvements to ensure that they continue to maintain the quality that this community deserves,” said Council Member Donovan Richards. “All communities have a right to beautiful parks and public spaces and I look forward to working with the community to continue making Brookville Park shine brighter and more attractive for local residents and visitors to the community. I’d like to thank the Parks Department and all the local leaders who helped shape these improvements that will allow even more residents to enjoy the brand new tennis courts and picnic area.”

This project reconstructed the picnic area and tennis courts in Brookville Park. New, barbecue grills, accessible picnic tables, paving, landscaping and plantings enhance the area. The tennis courts have been improved with new seal coating, sports lighting and additional seating to accommodate more park visitors.

Funding was provided by Council Member Donovan Richards ($2.8 million) and Mayor de Blasio ($350,000) for a total of $3.1 million. Construction began in June 2017 and was completed in July 2018.

The tennis courts were last resurfaced in 2001, the same year they were named in honor of Rosedale resident Derek Dilworth (1955-1999). An avid tennis player and park volunteer, he lobbied for the maintenance of Brookville Courts, repainted fences, purchased storage equipment, and obtained fish for the park’s pond. The first African-American air traffic controller at John F. Kennedy International Airport, he often invited local children into his workplace on tours.