Ranaqua Playground

NYC PARKS BREAKS GROUND AT RANAQUA PARK IN THE BRONX

$3.5M in renovations set to begin at Ranaqua Park as part of the Community Parks Initiative

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, today joined Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen, New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Community Board 1 District Manager Cedric L. Loftin, and second grade students from Mott Haven Academy to break ground at Ranaqua Park in the Bronx.

“Through the Community Parks Initiative, we are making sure that neighborhood parks and playgrounds across the city are getting the attention and care that they deserve,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “We appreciate the effort and commitment that we’ve received from the Mayor’s office, our elected officials, and the community members who we entrust with the responsibility of caring for our parks. I’m very excited about what’s going to happen here at Ranaqua Park and can’t wait to see the results.”

“I am very excited for the groundbreaking of Ranaqua Park here in my very own district. Parks are so important to our neighborhoods because they offer special programs and services, and improve the health of all members of the community,” said City Council Speaker Mark-Viverito. “My district deserves more parks, and the renovation of Ranaqua Park takes a good first step towards improving access to green spaces. I want to thank the administration for their focus on our neighborhood parks in the South Bronx, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Parks Department to protect, preserve, and promote parks across New York City.”

Ranaqua Park is one of the initial 35 sites that were identified through the Community Parks Initiative (CPI) three years ago with a budget of $130 million. Currently, CPI is investing $318 million in capital dollars through 2019 to make renovations on more than 60 community parks that have not undergone significant improvements in decades.

“Community Board 1 is pleased that the Parks Department is moving forward with this initiative here at Ranaqua Park, and we’re glad that all of the residents of this neighborhood will be able to utilize the park in its magnificent scope,” said CB1 District Manager Loftin.

Of the major investment, Ranaqua Park received $3,500,000 in CPI funding. This project will reconstruct the playground and synthetic turf field at the site. The new design features play equipment for children ages 2-12, a seating plaza, new lighting, swings, game tables, drinking fountains, and a bike rack. The project is anticipated to be completed by December 2017.