Samuel Seabury Playground

Upper East Side Youth “On Top Of The World” At Newly Renovated Samuel Seabury Playground

Thursday, October 5, 2006
No. No. 92
http://www.nyc.gov/parks

Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe today joined Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, members of Community Board 8, and students and staff from P.S. 77 and P.S. 198 to cut the ribbon on $1.4 million worth of reconstruction completed in Manhattan’s Samuel Seabury Playground. The project was funded entirely through allocations by former Council Member Eva Moskowitz.

 

"We are thrilled to cut the ribbon on Samuel Seabury playground, which not only serves the children of the Upper East Side community, but is also the primary site for recreation and athletics for two area public schools," said Commissioner Benepe. "We are grateful to former Council Member Moskowitz for her generous allocation, and we are happy that the children of P.S. 77 and P.S. 198 will be able to enjoy all this playground has to offer throughout the school year."

 

"I am delighted to celebrate the newly renovated Samuel Seabury Playground, a cornerstone of our neighborhood since 1962," said Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. "As a member of the City Council, I obtained more than $670,000 for the rehabilitation of this Park nearly 20 years ago. But playgrounds need constant tending. I am thrilled that another investment in the park will give a new generation of children a splendid space to enjoy."

I am delighted to celebrate the newly renovated Samuel Seabury Playground, a cornerstone of our neighborhood since 1962," said Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. "As a member of the City Council, I obtained more than $670,000 for the rehabilitation of this Park nearly 20 years ago. But playgrounds need constant tending. I am thrilled that another investment in the park will give a new generation of children a splendid space to enjoy."

 

Parks & Recreation Project Manager and Designer Ricardo Hinkle oversaw the reconstruction of Seabury playground, which included the replacement of all pavement, curbs, interior fencing, benches, and play equipment. The new playground also includes a more expansive play area designed for children of all ages, featuring slides for toddlers and overhead climbing for older kids. The new fencing, gates and reorientation of the comfort station have greatly improved the overall layout of the site.

 

The distinctive spray shower area features decorative and educational world map made of granite and concrete, which displays all the nations of the world, major water bodies, and rivers. The water drains into a flowing river with nine stainless steel footbridges engraved with information about the nine major rivers of the world that are displayed.

 

Parks & Recreation acquired the 0.786 acre lot for the construction of the playground in 1957. It was opened to the public on March 8, 1962 and was dedicated to Judge Samuel Seabury in 1989. In addition to the new amenities, the playground also features two basketball courts, a baseball field, a comfort station, and game tables. P.S. 198 uses the playground throughout the school year for recreation and athletics.

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