Elected officials and local residents cut the ribbon on Parque de los Niños after a $4.35 million reconstruction project. Image Credit: NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Reconstruction project cost $4.35 million and features a new track and ballfields. On August 13, 2019, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced the reopening of Parque de los Ninos, located on the corner of Morrison Avenue and Watson Avenue in the Soundview section of the Bronx. Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, was joined by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., New York State Assembly Member Marcos A. Crespo, New York City Council Member Ruben Diaz Sr, members of Bronx Community Board 9 and local residents to celebrate the reopening of the playground.
The reconstructed playground now features a new synthetic turf mini soccer field; a new 160-meter track; reconstructed ballfields with natural turf outfields and ADA accessible dugouts. The park also features a drinking fountain, misting station, bicycle racks, a shaded bleacher and bench seating area. New trees, shrubs and ground cover have also been planted.
The project in total cost $4.35 million. Mayor Bill de Blasio allocated $802,000; Borough President Diaz Jr. allocated $2.75 million; Council Member Diaz Sr. allocated $800,000.
Assembly Member Crespo stated, “This amazing park sits in the very heart of my community. It has been the epicenter of growth and opportunity for generations of kids in Soundview, but now, with these major improvements, it also offers state of the art facilities, healthier and more enjoyable amenities as well as a resounding message of love and respect for our neighborhood. Our children deserve the very best, and thanks to the Efforts of NYC Parks and my colleagues in government, we will give the very best to the families who visit and build their life long memories at el Parque de Los Niños.”
Parks Commissioner Silver stated, “I’m proud to complete the second phase of the Parque de los Niños project and unveil this beloved park’s beautiful new amenities. With the brand new track, turf soccer field, and renovated ball fields, we have diversified the park’s recreation spaces, transforming it into a world-class facility for the community.”
Borough President Diaz Jr. stated, “Creating and investing in facilities that allow children to run around and be kids, rather than stay at home and play video games or binge on television, has been very important to me, since taking office. Providing quality park spaces, such as Parque de los Niños, is paramount for our ‘#Not62’ health initiative as we work to build a healthier Bronx. What starts off as ‘kids being kids;’ running around and having fun in our park spaces; becomes the building blocks to developing a healthier lifestyle habit as our kids become adults.”
By: Veronica Rose (Veronica is the CityLaw fellow and a New York Law School graduate, Class of 2018.)