Estella Diggs Park

NYC PARKS OPENS NEW SECTION OF ESTELLA DIGGS PARK IN THE BRONX

Previously vacant section developed with $2 million in play equipment, pathways, benches and landscaping

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, on Tuesday joined City Council Member Vanessa Gibson, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr, Community Board 3 District Manager John Dudley and Estella Digg’s children—Joyce and Larry Diggs—to cut the ribbon on a new portion of Estella Diggs Park.

This project has expanded Estella Diggs Park, developing the vacant portion of the park with a new pathway, seating areas, landscaping and play equipment for ages two to five. Funding for this project was provided by City Council in the amount of $1.48 million and $500,000 from the Borough President.

“It’s an honor to have the children of Estella Diggs here to help us unveil this new, beautiful portion of the park,” said Commissioner Silver. “Our hope is that parks like this will encourage kids and New Yorkers of all ages to come outside, engage with their neighbors, and give back to the community—much like Mrs. Diggs herself.”

“Estella Diggs was a trailblazer in The Bronx, and I was proud to provide $500,000 of my office’s capital funding to help renovate a fitting monument to her legacy as an elected leader,” said Bronx Borough President Diaz Jr. “I thank the Parks Department and Council Member Vanessa Gibson for their partnership on this park renovation, and I am glad that Ms. Diggs’ children were able to be a part of today’s wonderful event.”

I am so proud to see Phase II of the Estella Diggs Park completed, which serves to invest in our children and families in the Morrisania community,” said Council Member Gibson. “This $2M investment of which I was proud to help support along with my Colleagues in government, will bring enrichment and outdoor fun for children of all ages and represents the life and legacy of former Assemblywoman Estella Diggs who served the Morrisania community in the State Assembly. She was a tireless advocate for women and children and today’s park completion recognizes the value that open space plays in our children’s educational, social and physical development and growth. I thank Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver, Bronx Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., Bronx Community Board 3, park advocates and in particular, the family of Estella Diggs, for their partnership in honoring Assemblywoman Diggs’ legacy through this park and ensuring that our children have access to open space and park activities.”

Formerly known as Rocks and Roots Park, the park was named after Estella Diggs, the first African-American woman to represent the Bronx in the NY State Assembly. She was a lifelong community advocate and organizer in the Bronx, and during her time in the Assembly she sponsored or co-sponsored more than 70 bills, including programs promoting economic development, improved housing, social services, and education.