Grand Playground

NYC PARKS COMPLETES $2.6 MILLION TRANSFORMATION OF GRAND PLAYGROUND IN THE BRONX

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, joined Council Member Fernando Cabrera and children from Trabajamos Community HeadStart yesterday to cut the ribbon on a completely reconstructed Grand Playground.

This renovation—fully funded by Council Member Cabrera—has transformed the park, which now includes a basketball court at the lower level, play areas for children of different ages, and two new entrances providing separate access to the basketball court and to the playground. Additionally, a senior seating area and spray shower have been added to the park.

“NYC Parks is working tirelessly to make sure Bronx communities have access to beautiful, top-notch parks,” said Commissioner Silver. “Grand Playground has long been in dire need of repairs, but we went beyond repairs and completely transformed this space—and we did it ahead of schedule. We couldn’t have done it without Council Member Cabrera, who secured the funding for us to make these renovations.”

“I’m happy that in one year, work has been completed and this space has been restored to the community for recreation and peaceful enjoyment,” said Council Member Cabrera. “The new multigenerational design is inviting to all, the playground equipment is cheerful, inviting and innovative. I am proud to have provided $2,690,000 for this project. Grand Avenue Playground is a community treasure and exemplifies how neighborhoods can be transformed when residents come together in a spirit of community.”
This playground takes its name from the adjacent Grand Avenue, which runs parallel to the Grand Concourse. Parks acquired the original .26-acre plot on July 17, 1979 and on June 18, 1987 it was named Grand Avenue Playground. An adjacent .11-acre piece of land along West 181st Street was assigned to Parks on September 14, 1995.