Msgr. McGolrick Park

NYC PARKS CELEBRATES EXTENSIVE UPGRADES AT MCGOLRICK PARK IN BROOKLYN

Following over $2M in improvements, the popular Greenpoint park now features enhanced paths, new seating, a reseeded lawn, and more

Down to Earth Farmers Market will be year-round at McGolrick Park for the first time

Today, NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue joined State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, Council Member Lincoln Restler, North Brooklyn Parks Alliance Executive Director Katie Denny Horowitz, and community members to officially unveil a set of improvements to Msgr. McGolrick Park in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Following a $2.17M capital project and a series of in-house park improvements, Parks has equipped the popular North Brooklyn destination with new asphalt pathways, new benches, improvements to the grass lawn and horticulture, and additional upgrades throughout the space.

“With these upgrades to McGolrick Park, we’re giving Brooklynites a renewed experience of this beloved neighborhood space. Enhanced pathways lead to moments of relaxation, new seating invites swapping stories amongst friends and family members, and a reseeded lawn allows creativity to flourish,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “These improvements are a testament to how much we can accomplish for our local greenspaces when city agencies and elected officials join forces with park partners and engaged volunteers.”

"McGolrick Park is Greenpoint’s town square. When I entered office, neighbors were concerned about deteriorating conditions in our beloved park - but that has all changed due to great partnerships with NYC Parks, North Brooklyn Parks Alliance, and Assembly Member Emily Gallagher and the revitalization of the Friends of McGolrick Park group,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler. “The newly repaved paths, the improved resiliency and drainage, dedicated gardeners, new picnic tables, reseeded lawns, repaired sidewalks, expanded extermination, and new trash cans have McGolrick looking better than ever! And I am thrilled we were able to persuade the awesome Down to Earth Greenmarket to operate year-round!”

Last year, Parks completed approximately $2.17 million in capital improvements to upgrade the park’s physical infrastructure. The work, which was finished six months ahead of schedule, included repaving the asphalt path through the park, installing new seating, improving drainage, and upgrading the irrigation system with new ground hydrants.

Following this capital project, Parks gave the greenspace a major facelift by repairing the historic colonnade and repainting the pavilion, repairing and installing fencing, and giving benches throughout the park a fresh coat of paint. Parks also reseeded half of the grass lawn, pruned the park’s many mature trees, and collaborated with local gardeners to spruce up the gardens and landscaping. Working with Parks and the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance, Council Member Restler also provided funding to support new rodent-resistant trash receptacles, a gardener for the park, increased extermination services, and new picnic tables for the community to enjoy. Funding was also provided for programming like the Annual French Films on the Green Screening at McGolrick Park, and Council Member Restler’s office has worked to support the new Friends of McGolrick Park group.

Today’s celebration also included an announcement that the McGolrick Park Down to Earth Farmers Market will now be held year-round. Funds from Council Member Restler’s office will support snow removal during the winter season.

"I'm excited to celebrate the unveiling of over $2M in upgrades at McGolrick Park. This investment delivers the Greenpoint community and surrounding neighborhoods access to high-quality green space and well-maintained park facilities where family and friends gather, recreate, and enjoy the outdoors free of charge," said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez. "I want to thank NYC Parks, Councilmember Restler, all the other city leaders and the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance who helped turn this improved vision of McGolrick Park into a reality."

"Greenpoint's beloved McGolrick Park has never looked so gorgeous thanks to the hard work of NYC Parks. The reconstruction of the paths, better drainage and irrigation, revived lawns and repaired sidewalks have reinvigorated this gem of a park and the neighbors who make it come alive. I'm so grateful to Commissioner Donoghue, Borough Commissioner Maher, my fellow elected officials, North Brooklyn Parks Alliance, Friends of McGolrick Park and the wonderful staff of NYC Parks for making today possible," said New York State Assembly Member Emily Gallagher.

"Few green spaces in North Brooklyn are as beloved as Msgr. McGolrick Park, which offers as much horticulture and recreation as it does a platform for civic engagement," said Katie Denny Horowitz, Executive Director of North Brooklyn Parks Alliance. "These significant park investments are a response, in part, to the outpouring of local community collaboration, and we couldn't be more proud to stand beside NYC Parks and CM Restler to celebrate our collective accomplishments."

The City of Brooklyn acquired the land that would become Msgr. McGolrick Park in 1809. Originally named for Assembly Member Winthrop Jones, the park was renamed in 1941 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.