St. James Park

The Daily Plant : Monday, October 26, 2015

NYC Parks Installs New $800,000 Synthetic Turf Field At St. James Park

Malcolm Pinckney

On Friday, October 23, 2015, Bronx Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa joined Council Member Fernando Cabrera, local residents and community members, and PS 246 to cut the ribbon at St. James Park where a new multi-purpose turf field has been installed.

“NYC Parks is happy to continue our mission of ensuring that there are safe and sustainable parks and playgrounds in our communities across the city,” said Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa. “This new turf field makes St. James Park an even more attractive facility and offers the option for a number of recreational activities. And for that, we are especially grateful to Council Member Cabrera and the Mayor’s office, for their contributions to this wonderful project.”

The new, multi-purpose synthetic turf field can be used year round for softball, youth baseball, soccer, and various other activities. The project was completed with $735,000 from Council Member Cabrera and $45,000 in mayoral funding. The renovation continues a neighborhood tradition of advocating for parks.

“I am proud that the renovations of the field at St. James Park are complete and the community will now be able to take advantage of this amenity,” said Councilman Cabrera. “Physical activity and fresh air are crucial to our wellbeing, and many New Yorkers rely on parks and public spaces to get both. Playing a sport is both healthy and fun, but it can be difficult to do so in congested urban areas where conditions are not ideal. I hope that community members will benefit from having this beautiful synthetic turf field in their ‘backyard’ for years to come.”

St. James Park has expanded its facilities through the years to accommodate the needs of the community in and around the Fordham section of the Bronx. It includes tennis, basketball, and handball courts, a playground, and a recreation center with a Computer Resource Center, fitness room, and game rooms for seniors, adults, and children.