Rev J Polite Playground

NYC PARKS ANNOUNCES $27 MILLION ALLOCATED FOR TURF FIELD RENOVATIONS CITYWIDE

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, announces a $27 million allocation from Mayor de Blasio to replace eight synthetic turf fields citywide. The eight fields were chosen through Parks’ needs assessment process wherein we prioritize our asset inventory by reviewing conditions, scope of work and project cost estimation. They include:

1. St. Michael's Playground - Queens
2. Flushing Meadows Corona Park, field 8 – Queens
3. Flushing Meadows Corona Park, field 9 -- Queens
4. Grover Cleveland Playground – Queens
5. Pals Oval – Queens
6. Jacob Schiff Playground - Manhattan
7. Rev J. Polite Playground – Bronx
8. Leif Ericson, Dust Bowl at Quaker Parrot Park – Brooklyn

Each of these fields will receive brand new carpet-style turf, which allows for a variety of permitted sports, as well as unstructured play. All of the renovation projects are expected to be in design by this summer.

“We’re thrilled to be able to announce this funding to replace some of the city’s most popular, heavily permitted and used, and worn turf fields,” said Commissioner Silver. “And thanks to our specialized Synthetic Turf Maintenance Team who are trained in grooming and repairing these fields, they will be able to stand up to kicks, cleats, and tackles for years to come.”

“Parks need to be usable, accessible, and inviting if they’re going to give New Yorkers a real opportunity to breathe, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “The turf field at Jacob Schiff Playground has desperately needed an overhaul, so I’m glad that it – and the other fields on this list – will be getting needed renovation, and that New Yorkers in West Harlem will get a revamped space for field sports in the neighborhood.”

“Jacob Schiff Park is a vibrant community space that is a central pillar of the West Harlem and Hamilton Heights communities,” said Council Member Mark Levine. “I’m incredibly excited to see this funding come through to refurbish the turf field. The upgrades made possible through this funding will ensure our community has access to a safe, modern, multi-use sports facility for years to come.”

"These upgrades will allow families and athletes alike to take advantage of valuable recreational public spaces," said Council Member Barry S. Grodenchik, Chair of the City Council Committee on Parks and Recreation. "The Mayor's twenty-seven million dollar allocation to renovate these eight turf fields, across the city, will provide New Yorkers with enhanced access to resilient and modern sports facilities."

Council Member Peter Koo stated, “The soccer fields in Flushing are some of the most frequently used open spaces in our community, offering a rare synthetic turf experience for thousands of athletes across the city. These renovations will extend the lifespan of these popular playfields well into the future, and I’d like to thank the Parks Department and Mayor de Blasio for being receptive to the needs of our community and making sure our young athletes have access to first class facilities.”

"I am thrilled the Parks Department will upgrade the turf fields at Pals Oval,” said Council Member Eric Ulrich. “Pals Oval is in the heart of Ozone Park and has been a staple in the neighborhood for decades. Rejuvenating these fields is an investment in our community and in our youth. I'd like to thank Commissioner Silver - and the entire Parks Department team - for all their hard work on this initiative."

Parks has 160 synthetic turf fields across the five boroughs. In 2017, Parks established the first ever citywide Synthetic Turf Care team with the goal of improving the quality and useful life of Parks’ synthetic turf areas. The three teams visit an average of 49 fields per month with specialized equipment designed to groom and clear debris. The team also makes minor repairs to fields to ensure they’re safe for everyone. Synthetic turf fields are highly durable, usable year-round, and able to accommodate a variety of sports and activities.