Lopez Playground

CITY HALL IN YOUR BOROUGH: NYC PARKS UNVEILS $3 MILLION TRANSFORMATION OF LOPEZ PLAYGROUND IN PARK HILL

Today, as part of City Hall In Your Borough, NYC Parks Acting Commissioner Margaret Nelson joined Staten Island Borough Commissioner Ed Burke, New York State Assembly Member Charles Fall, New York City Council Member Deborah Rose, P.S. 57 Assistant Principal Michael Grimaldi, Community Board 1 representative Sunny Jain, and community members to cut the ribbon on the $3 million renovation of Lopez Playground in Park Hill.

“Lopez Playground is a treasured neighborhood greenspace, and we’re thrilled to unveil its new amenities to Park Hill residents during Staten Island’s City Hall in Your Borough,” said Commissioner Nelson. “We’re grateful for Mayor de Blasio and Council Member Rose for their continued partnership and dedication to providing Staten Island with world-class recreational spaces. With new children’s play and adult fitness areas, Lopez Playground is now better equipped to serve the surrounding communities for years to come.”

“The Lopez Playground renovation has been a special project for me ever since my time at Parks,” said Assembly Member Charles Fall. “Even before I became a state representative I worked and advocated with my now colleague, Councilwoman Rose, for this reconstruction. I am proud to stand alongside her today as we present the community of Park Hill with space for youth activities, adult fitness, community gathering, and so much more.”

The $3 million Lopez Playground reconstruction project completely upgraded the playground with inclusive and accessible play equipment, swings, and a spray play area. Designed to develop and challenge children’s senses, the new play equipment features textured surfaces, patterns, shapes, and musical play panels that accommodate the needs of children of all ages and abilities. Additional site upgrades include new basketball courts, adult fitness area, fences, pathways, and a memorial flagpole that pays tribute to the park’s namesake, Officer Lopez.

This project was funded with $2.85 million from Council Member Rose, and $187,000 from Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Formerly known as Fox Hill Playground, this playground was renamed in October 1993 to honor Police Officer Luis Reynaldo Lopez (1957-1993). It is located in the Park Hill section of Clifton where Officer Lopez patrolled during his tenure at the New York Police Department’s 120th Precinct in Staten Island. Officer Lopez later transferred to the Manhattan South Narcotics Division, and was unfortunately slain in the line of duty on March 10, 1993 during a drug sting operation in the East Village.