Colucci Playground

NYC PARKS COMPLETES RENOVATIONS AT COLUCCI PLAYGROUND

Park receives $800,000 in upgrades including a spray shower, game tables and bicycle racks

NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, yesterday joined City Council Member James Vacca, Community Board 10 District Manager Matthew Cruz and community members to cut the ribbon on a reconstructed portion of Colucci Playground.

This project has renovated the seating areas of Colucci Playground, adding a spray shower area, game tables, new benches, bicycle racks and a drinking fountain. New trees and plantings have also be added, including Turkish Filbert and Goldenrain Trees. Funding for this project was provided by Council Member Vacca in the amount of $800,000.

“These upgrades make a big difference in this park,” said Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa. “Colucci Playground was already a treasured resource for this community, and now—in addition to playing basketball, baseball, bocce and handball—park goers can play chess, cool off in the spray showers, or just sit back and take in the greenery.”

"I'm excited that the new play area I funded in Colucci Park is ready for community use,” said Council Member Vacca. “It’s important that we build spaces in our community that neighbors of all ages can come and use. The renovated playground area includes a new spray shower, fencing, chess and checker tables, benches, and landscaping and will go a long way in creating a beautiful communal space for everyone. I want to thank Commissioner Silver, Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa and the Parks Department for their commitment to this project. "

This playground is named for community activist Florence Colucci (1921-1982), a resident of Pelham Bay for more than 38 years who worked tirelessly on behalf of her neighborhood. Through her weekly column in the local newspaper, The News Sentinel, Colucci also became known as “The Voice of Pelham Bay”. One of Colucci’s community efforts centered on lobbying for the construction of a multipurpose playground on this lot.