Whalen Playground

NYC PARKS BREAKS GROUND AT WHALEN PARK IN THE BRONX

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
No. 59
http://www.nyc.gov/parks

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, today joined Deputy Borough President Aurelia Green, Council Member Andrew Cohen, Community Board 7 Parks Chair Barbara Stronczer, Community Board 7 Chair Adeline Walker-Santiago, and seniors from the St. James and Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Centers to break ground at Whalen Park in the Bronx.

“When construction is finished here, this space will be completely transformed,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “Whalen Park is such a critical resource for this community and we are delighted to have received funding contributions from the Mayor’s office, City Council, and the Borough President.”

“Playgrounds such as the one at Whalen Park are vital for our borough, especially in light of our ‘#Not62’ campaign that emphasizes a healthy lifestyle,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “I am a huge proponent of finding space for kids to play and have fun in a safe environment that allows them to get exercise and run around like I used to do when I was a child, and I was thrilled to provide this project with funding from my own capital budget. The earlier you establish healthy habits, the easier those habits carry over into your adulthood. That’s why building playgrounds, such as Whalen Park, is a priority for us. I want to thank the Parks Department for their support on this project.”

“I am thrilled that the City Council was able to put funding towards renovations at Whalen Park,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen. “Parks are such an important part of community life in the Bronx. I'm glad I can do my part to make sure our parks get the upkeep they need and continue to grow."

Funded by the Mayor’s Office, the Borough President and City Council in the amount of $1, 797,000, this project will completely renovate the entire park adding new designs including game tables, a playhouse, climbing blocks, a spray shower, new seating areas and a bicycle rack. The project is anticipated to be completed by June 2018.