Lincoln Terrace / Arthur S. Somers Park

NYC PARKS CUTS THE RIBBON ON NEW PLAYGROUND AT LINCOLN TERRACE PARK IN BROOKLYN

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, today joined Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel and neighbors to cut the ribbon on a newly renovated playground at Lincoln Terrace Park. The project was completed in January of this year, but today’s event marks the official ribbon cutting celebration. It was funded with $4 million from Mayor Bill de Blasio, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, and City Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel.

“This new playground adds even more high quality recreational space to the continuously improving Lincoln Terrace Park,” said Commissioner Silver. “With features for children of all ages, this beautiful playground is sure to get lots of use this spring and summer.”

“Lincoln Terrace Park holds a special place in the hearts of so many children and families, particularly those living in Crown Heights and surrounding communities,” said Borough President Adams. “The renovations of its playground have been long anticipated, and I commend NYC Parks for completing work on this exciting play space that promotes healthy recreation.”

"The day has finally arrived. It is exciting to see everything come together at Lincoln Terrance Park, which has been a hub for the community for decades,” said Council Member Ampry-Samuel. “With investments from the City and a new look, it’s heartwarming to watch the children and families enjoy the park on such beautiful spring morning."

”The newly renovated playground at Lincoln Terrace is exceptional and well-deserved for the children in Brownsville and Crown Heights,” said State Assembly Member Latrice Walker. “The new playground is fully equipped with new features that will keep our children preoccupied and safe. My best childhood memories were outside playing in the playground and it’s important that we continue to provide these experiences for our children.”

Lincoln Terrace Park’s new playground now features play equipment for children ages 2-5 and 5-12, a spray shower, swings, tables and chairs, benches, new lighting, fencing, improved drainage and water supply systems, plantings and landscaping.

This is the third major capital project to be completed in Lincoln Terrace Park in the last six years. The tennis courts were renovated in 2013, and the netball and handball courts in 2016. Two additional projects, to construct a new comfort station and improve the park’s paved pathways, are currently in design.

Lincoln Terrace has long been a haven for the people of Brownsville and Crown Heights. Renowned authors Alfred Kazin and Elliott Willensky, who grew up nearby, remembered that the park was a favorite spot for hanging out and flirting. Yiddish-speaking residents knew it as "Kitzel Park" or "tickle park." In 1932 the Board of Aldermen named the west portion of the park for Arthur S. Somers (1866-1932), a local philanthropist and civic activist.