Dome Playground

NYC Parks Breaks Ground On Phase I And Announces Phase II Of Renovations Set To Double The Size Of Dome Playground

Thursday, April 23, 2015
No. 29
http://www.nyc.gov/parks

Phases I and II will transform the playground with all-new features and more space.
NYC Parks Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey today joined City Councilmember Brad Lander and community members to break ground on the first phase of renovations to Dome Playground, and to announce the second phase currently in design.
This first phase of construction at the playground consists of $2,750,000 worth of improvements, funded by generous allocations of $1,800,000 from Councilmember Brad Lander and $950,000 from Borough President Eric Adams.
With extensive input from the community, this project is just the beginning of the transformation of this park. The playground will significantly increase in size, with new swings, and new and exciting play equipment for children of all ages. Trees, improved landscaping, and an open grass area will beautify the park, and a new seating area will provide a gathering space for both community events and individual relaxation. New pavement, lighting, drinking fountains, drainage, plantings and benches complete the first phase.
In addition to breaking ground on Phase I, Parks also announced Councilmember Lander’s generous $1 million in funding for Phase II. This second phase, currently in design, will focus on the remaining portion of the property and include the reconstruction of the handball and basketball courts.
“NYC Parks is pleased to not only break ground on the beloved Dome Playground, but also to announce that there will be a second phase of new features coming soon,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “Thanks to the generous funding from Borough President Adams and Councilmember Brad Lander, and the valuable community feedback for the design, people of all ages will be able to enjoy a playground that has more than doubled in size. The new Dome Playground will serve as a beautiful, functional gathering space for the diverse Borough Park and Kensington neighborhoods.”

"In a community district that falls below the borough average for park space within a quarter mile of housing, investments to improve existing parks are imperative. I’m pleased to have partnered with Council Member Lander and the Parks Department in providing support to renovate and significantly expand Dome Park. Thanks to robust community input, feedback and thoughtful care into the design of the park, which would be sure to make the park’s namesakes Charles and Jessie Dome proud, the open space and recreation needs of families and residents in Kensington will be significantly improved."

“The kids of Borough Park and Kensington need more room to play – so I’m very pleased that our renovation of Dome Playground will double the size of children’s play area, and make the whole park better for families .The idea for this renovation came from community members who love the park, so we worked hard to make the planning process inclusive of the diverse voices of these great neighborhoods. They made this a great plan,” said Council Member Lander. “Thanks to Borough President Adams for his support; to Commissioner Mitchell Silver, Borough Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey, and Borough Chief of Staff Marty Maher for working with us to listen to community voices and for their dedicated work to speed up the park renovation process; to Community Board 12 Chair Yidel Perlstein and District Manager Barry Spitzer for their partnership; and to community leaders like Jole Carliner, Annie Ferdous, and Mamnunul Huq for helping to organize community members to take part in the planning process. I can’t wait for the new Dome Playground, which will become a much-loved treasure for the young-at-heart of all ages.”

Situated on the northeast corner of 38th Street and Dahill Road, Dome Playground is named in honor of community activists Charles (1904-1984) and Jessie Dome (1904-1987). Long-time residents of Borough Park, Brooklyn, the Domes devoted themselves to improving their community. Charles Dome served on Community Board 12 and was the founding member and first chairman of the Roosevelt Democratic Club. He also had the honor of serving as a presidential elector. Charles Dome’s service was not limited to politics, however; he served on the Board of Trustees of Temple Emmanu-El in Borough Park. Jessie Dome worked as a teacher in the New York City Public School system for 35 years. For over 15 years, she also volunteered at Maimonides Hospital. With her husband, Jessie Dome attended Temple Emmanu-El in Borough Park, where she was a member of the synagogue’s Sisterhood. The Domes were married for over 50 years and raised two sons.