Msgr. McGolrick Park

NYC PARKS OFFICIALLY CUTS THE RIBBON ON RECENTLY COMPLETED MSGR. MCGOLRICK PLAYGROUND IN GREENPOINT

NYC Parks Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Martin Maher today joined City Council Member Stephen Levin, State Assembly Member Joseph Lentol, members of Community Board 1, students and administrators from P.S. 110, the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance and the McGolrick Park Neighborhood Alliance for a ceremonial ribbon cutting celebration at Msgr. McGolrick Playground. The playground, located within Msgr. McGolrick Park, was completely renovated for $2.9 million; it was reopened to the community a month ago. The project was funded by Mayor Bill de Blasio, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, and Council Member Levin.

“We are delighted to see McGolrick Park’s playground reopened so that kids of all ages can enjoy it,” said Commissioner Maher. “We are also looking forward another upcoming capital project to improve the perimeter sidewalks and paths in and around McGolrick Park, which will begin next year. We are grateful to Council Member Levin for investing so much in this beloved neighborhood park, and to the Friends of McGolrick Park for their advocacy and support in programming and caring for the park.”

“I am proud to have helped fund the rehabilitation of McGolrick Park Playground, a public space that will not just serve as a domain for our children to have fun, but as a community resource to benefit everyone in Greenpoint,” said Borough President Adams. “Playgrounds serve as a critical resource for children to enjoy physical activity and enhance their wellbeing. I thank the City for working together with all of our community partners to renovate McGolrick Park Playground.”

“McGolrick Park is one North Brooklyn’s shining stars. It truly is a very unique park. It provides a home to many birds, book readers, dogs and picnickers. The expansive tree canopy provides just the perfect environment,” said Assemblyman Lentol. “The playground was also a highlight but needed a renovation. Now the playground is back and better than ever. Many thanks to Mayor de Blasio, Council Member Levin, Brooklyn Borough President Adams and NYC Parks Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Maher for bringing this playground into the 21st century.”

The new and improved McGolrick Playground includes completely redone separate play areas, for 2-5 year olds, and 5-12 year olds, both with new safety surface; regular swings and a spray shower; a spray shower and swings specifically for tots; café tables and seating; and new gated entryways throughout the playground. Council Member Levin also helped fund a project that will repave the perimeter sidewalks and interior park paths, improve drainage and install new benches in McGolrick Park. Construction on the nearly $2 million project is scheduled to begin in the spring.

In 1941 the park was renamed for Monsignor Edward J. McGolrick (1857-1938), who hailed from Dunnoughmore, County Donegal, Ireland. In 1888 Father McGolrick joined the parish of St. Cecilia's, and for fifty years he served as pastor. He was instrumental in the creation of a new church, convent, rectory, hospital, lyceum, school, and playing field. Greenpointers remember Monsignor McGolrick as a leader in the parish and in the community.