Some of the new play equipment at Noble Playground. Image credit: Council Member Amanda Farías.
On August 1, 2023, the Parks Department announced the completion of a $2.5 million renovation to Noble Playground in the Van Nest section of the Bronx. The playground is located on Noble Avenue between Bronx River Avenue and East 177th Street.
The playground has been reconstructed with new play equipment, adult fitness equipment and security lighting. The spray shower area was expanded into a larger water play space. Colorful pavement makes the space more inviting, and new plantings add shade and ornamental trees to the playground. The site also includes a ballfield and basketball courts.
The renovations were made possible through funding from the City Council. The project is the first full renovation of the playground since 1954. The playground was created in 1939 as originally part of the Bronx River Parkway extension from Bronxville to Soundview. The playground is named after Alfred Noble, a city engineer.
Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue stated, “We’re thrilled to unveil the reconstructed Noble Playground, an important recreation site for local residents for more than 80 years. Among the new amenities, an enhanced water play area and newly planted shade trees will help keep children cool during the summer months, while adult fitness equipment has been added here for the first time. We’re pleased to provide the community with a new, attractive, accessible, and safe recreation space that can be enjoyed by Bronxites for years to come.”
Council Member Amanda Farías stated, “I am excited to be celebrating the opening of its newly renovated Noble Playground with NYC Parks! Parks and playgrounds are essential spaces for our developing youth, offering them a place to socialize, exercise, and strengthen their cognitive skills. These are the types of investments I hope to see throughout Council District 18 and the entire borough. I will continue working with my colleagues in government and our City agencies to service our residents and offer them the best quality of life possible.”
By: Veronica Rose (Veronica is the CityLaw fellow and a New York Law School graduate, Class of 2018.)