Dongan Playground

A $3.5 million capital project will revamp play equipment and bring other enhancements to popular neighborhood playground

NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue joined Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, Council Member David Carr, and students from P.S. 52 to break ground on a reconstruction of Dongan Playground.

“Dongan Playground serves as a vital recreational space for children from nearby P.S. 52 and the entire community. We’re pleased that this capital project will provide users with a new, attractive, accessible, and safe play area, while prioritizing durability and storm resistance,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “We’re committed to providing the highest quality recreational spaces that can be enjoyed by Staten Islanders for years to come.”

The $3.5 million capital project, funded by the City Council, will transform the existing playground by adding new play equipment, with areas designed for children 2 to 5 years old as well as ages 5 through 12. The project will add new pavement, safety surfacing, fencing, seating, and a drinking fountain/bottle filler. In addition, the site’s grading and drainage will be improved to better handle stormwater and prevent flooding.

It is anticipated that construction will be completed in March 2025.

Dongan Playground is jointly operated with nearby P.S. 52, which shares a city block with the playground. The play area includes public restrooms, swings, and play equipment for kids of all ages. In addition to the play area, the site features handball courts and an asphalt yard used for basketball.

The playground is named for the 17th century British governor of New York, Colonel Thomas Dongan. Opened in 1968, the site was initially named P.S. 52 Playground for the adjacent school. In March 1986, former Parks Commissioner Henry Stern renamed the property Mason Playground for nearby Mason Avenue, and in 1997 Stern again renamed it to honor Dongan.

Dongan Playground received a major renovation in 1987 to redesign the play area, restore basketball and handball courts, and install new benches, fencing, and shrubs. In 1996, Mayor Giuliani provided $138,662 for the installation of new play equipment and the addition of safety surfacing.

“We know there are many Staten Islanders, especially young people and the students at P.S. 52, who frequent the Dongan Playground for a fun, enjoyable experience. Dongan Playground has needed some work, especially the drainage there to allow the grounds to remain usable after storms,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. “We are excited to see these updates come to Dongan Playground to provide those who go there with the best experience possible. We would like to thank the City Council for funding this project, and Commissioner Sue Donoghue and Borough Parks Commissioner Lynda Ricciardone for their continued attention and commitment to our ‘Borough of Parks.’”

“Restoring our well-used community parks and public spaces is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a Council Member. It was an honor to participate in the groundbreaking for reconstruction work on Dongan Playground, originally funded by my predecessor Steven Matteo,” said Council Member David Carr. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the residents of Dongan Hills, Midland Beach, South Beach, and the children of P.S.52 take advantage of the new amenities.”