Williamsbridge Oval

The Daily Plant : Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Parks & Recreation Cuts Ribbon At Williamsbridge Oval Park

photo by Malcolm Pinckney

On Thursday, April 13, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe joined City Council Member Oliver Koppell and children from the St. James Recreation Center to celebrate the completion of the $500,000 renovation of Williamsbridge Oval Park in the Bronx.

This project began in July, 2005 and included the reconstruction of a stone retaining wall, entry gates and fencing along the northern portion of the park.

A pedestrian entrance was created and drinking fountains, security lighting and pathways were also added. Funds for this project were generously allocated by Council Member Koppell.

Parks & Recreation has embarked on a tremendous redevelopment effort throughout the Bronx’s parks, thanks to more than $220 million from water and sewer revenue. To date, we have more than 20 active projects, which represent nearly $50 million of the total funding. We are moving forward on additional projects and look forward to completing this work in the next five years.

Williamsbridge Oval Park will particularly benefit as a result of the Croton Filtration Plant funds. Approximately $13.5 million has been allocated for a series of renovation projects. Its transformation will include a renovated track and field, refurbished playgrounds, and extensive work to stabilize the promenade and slope. Parks will also place funds toward work on the recreation center and the nearby senior area.

We are saddened to announce the passing of Mary Wright, CPW in District 3 in Brooklyn. She passed on April 15, while working at P.S. 59 / Sumner Playground.

Ms. Wright began her career with Parks on January 19, 1981. She was assigned to the borough crews in Prospect Park where she spent a small amount of time before being transferred to District 3.

Having worked at various parks and playgrounds in the Bedford-Stuyvesant community, she was well known and loved by the neighborhood’s residents, its precincts and its schools.

Mary Wright was very well respected by her peers and co-workers. She will be deeply missed.