Prospect Playground

NYC PARKS CUTS THE RIBBON ON $6.69 MILLION PROSPECT PLAYGROUND REFURB IN THE BRONX – A COMMUNITY PARKS INITIATIVE SITE

NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue yesterday joined Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Community Board 6 Community Coordinator Carla Leon, students from MSTA I.S. 318, C.S. 211, the Children’s Aid College Prep Charter School, Excellence Community School 5 and members of the community to celebrate the $6.69 million reconstruction of Prospect Playground in the Bronx, renovated through the Community Parks Initiative (CPI).

“We are thrilled to cut the ribbon on the $6.69 million Prospect Playground project, which has been completely reimagined and reconstructed with equity and fun at its core,” said Commissioner Donoghue. “Through the Community Parks Initiative, almost 70 playgrounds that haven’t seen investment in decades have been reconstructed, and we couldn’t be happier to unveil this playground for the enjoyment of the children in this neighborhood.”

“The reconstruction of the Prospect Playground is a huge win for our borough and for increasing access to recreational green space in the Bronx,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “As we enter the summer months, children and families will now get to enjoy the newly renovated basketball courts, volleyball court, play equipment, spray showers, synthetic turf, and safety surfacing while safely recreating in their neighborhood. I want to thank the Mayor`s Office for their support of the Prospect playground, $6.69 million investment in our community, and commitment to reimagining previously-overlooked parks.”

‘Across New York City, COVID-19 highlighted the gaps in parks equity and accessibility in communities of color, including the neighborhoods that I serve in the South Bronx,’ stated Council Member Rafael Salamanca, 17th Council District, The Bronx. ‘Using the power of the budget, I have worked tirelessly to address these inequities, allocating millions of dollars in capital funding to parks in my district, while also working with the administration to advocate for higher-need parks’ projects. Prospect Playground is a perfect example of this partnership. Through the Community Park Initiative, Prospect Playground received a $6.69 million infusion of funding that will provide future generations of Bronxites with a state-of-the-art park to play in and utilize for relaxation. On behalf of my residents, I thank the Adams Administration and the Department of Parks for their continued commitment to renovating parks in the South Bronx.’

Through CPI, Prospect Playground has been completely redesigned and reconstructed. New basketball courts, a volleyball court, play equipment, spray showers, synthetic turf, and safety surfacing has been added to the playground. Parks also installed new fencing and seating, and reconstructed the sidewalks and drainage, while adding more plantings to the site.

The Prospect Playground Reconstruction project was made possible with $6.69 million from the office of the Mayor through the Community Parks Initiative.

Launched in 2014, the Community Parks Initiative is NYC’s first equity-driven parks initiative. Through CPI nearly $1 billion has been invested to reimagine and rebuild previously-overlooked parks in neighborhoods demonstrating the highest need.