City Line Park

CITY LINE PARK REOPENS BOASTING $5.2 MILLION IN IMPROVEMENTS

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, today joined New York City Department of City Planning Director Marisa Lago, New York City Council Member Rafael L. Espinal Jr., New York State Assembly Member Erik M. Dilan, representatives from Brooklyn Community Board 5, and local community members to officially cut the ribbon on City Line Park’s latest upgrades. The project was funded by a $5.2 million allocation from Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Neighborhood Development Fund. The site is part of the larger East New York Neighborhood Plan, with the goal of revitalizing the community and revamping spaces that can anchor and support development.

“The transformation of City Line Park is a win for the entire East New York community,” said Commissioner Silver. “With a generous $5.2 million investment from Mayor de Blasio, we have brought world-class amenities to the heart of East New York. These improvements will help to strengthen the neighborhood, support growth and development, and position the park to serve as a community hub for generations to come.”

“The rejuvenated City Line Park is a testament to the power of community-informed neighborhood planning. Congratulations to the neighborhood residents and elected officials who, as part of the East New York Neighborhood Plan, shared their vision for a reimagined park – and then worked hand-in-glove with City agencies to make today’s vibrant City Line Park a reality,” said DCP Director Marisa Lago.

"City Line Park has been invested in by creating new green space and revamping recreational areas so that Brooklynites in the neighborhood will finally have a local place to be active in their community,” said Council Member Espinal. “Now this area truly meets the needs of East New York and will support the community for years to come. With one more part of the East New York Neighborhood Plan complete, I look forward to continue the work in completing all other projects that are a part of the vision for ENY."

With over $5 million in upgrades, the new and improved City Line Park is now a one-acre greenspace with amenities to support active and passive recreation. The site features a multipurpose synthetic field with a perimeter track; a new skate park; a basketball court with sports lighting; an adult fitness area; a new picnic area, seating area, and bleachers; and new plantings and landscape improvements. Additionally, there is a pedestrian path that connects the park to the existing comfort station, and the perimeter fencing around the park has been lowered to make the entrance more open and welcoming.

The land for City Line Park, which was the site of the Ridgewood Pumping Station, was purchased by the City of Brooklyn in 1886. The Ridgewood Reservoir had been built in 1858 for Brooklyn’s populace, and the pumping station ensured the distribution of water from the reservoirs to all but four districts in Brooklyn. In 1937, the Water Department transferred the parcel to the Parks Department and, in 1938, the Department of Sanitation transferred an additional parcel to Parks. A final parcel of land was assigned to Parks in March of 1949. City Line Park is adjacent to East New York High School of Transit Technology. The school makes use of the park’s ballfields and handball and basketball courts. This park is a Jointly Operated Playground (JOP) between the Parks Department and the Department of Education.