DiGilio Playground

NYC PARKS CUTS THE RIBBON ON $2.8 MILLION IN IMPROVEMENTS TO DIGILIO PLAYGROUND IN BROOKLYN

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP today joined City Council Member Kalman Yeger, former City Council Member David Greenfield, City Council Parks Chair Barry Grodenchik and community members to cut the ribbon on Brooklyn’s newly renovated DiGilio Playground. The project was funded with a total of $2.8 million from former Council Member Greenfield.

“The best neighborhood parks are the ones created with input from the community members who use them, and DiGilio Playground is a wonderful example of that,” said Commissioner Silver. “With areas for adults to get fit and for children to play, and plenty of space to kick back and relax, this renewed public space is open just in time for summer.”

“Our parks are our community's treasures,” said Council Member Yeger. “I’m proud to be part of opening my second rehabilitated park since I joined the Council, but none of this could have been possible without the incredible commitment of former Councilman David Greenfield. DiGilio is yet another success story.”

“DiGilio Playground is a place to walk, run and play in the heat of our congested community,” said Greenfield. “I am proud to have funded its renovation and the renovation of all the parks in the district. This $2.8 million improvement will allow children and adults to enjoy the park for years to come. Councilman Kalman Yeger has worked tirelessly to ensure the swift and timely completion of the park. Together, we literally gutted and rebuilt the entire park and quadrupled the play area including two states of the art play areas for children, new adult exercise equipment and improved lighting and security to improve safety. Thank you, Councilman Yeger for working hard to keep improving our neighborhoods.”

“The renovation of DiGilio Playground with reconstructed facilities for both children and adults will provide Brooklyn residents with a great place for sports, exercise, and relaxation,” said Council Member Grodenchik. “I congratulate Council Member Kalman Yeger, and former Council Member David G. Greenfield for their investment in this wonderful neighborhood park.”

The new DiGilio Playground is the result of extensive community input and includes brand new play equipment for toddlers and children of all ages, as well as adult fitness equipment to help teenagers and grown-ups stay in shape. Game table seating for passive recreation, and security lighting on the comfort station were also added. New colorful landscaping and trees help to reduce outside noise and create a cozy environment for kids and parents.

This playground honors Deputy Inspector Joseph Di Gilio (1929-1986) who served in the New York City Police Department for over 30 years. Inspector Di Gilio began his career as a foot patrolman in the Bronx in the early 1950s. After ten years in the Bronx, he was assigned to Brooklyn’s Kensington community, and in 1970, appointed deputy inspector of the 70th Precinct. Celebrated as a dedicated police officer, Inspector Di Gilio is most remembered for his devotion to Police Department anti-drug programs.