By SÍLE MOLONEY
Photo courtesy of NYC Parks
On Friday, July 25, NYC Parks held a celebration to mark the $5.2 million reconstruction of Wakefield Playground in The Bronx. NYC Parks first deputy commissioner, Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, joined Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (A.D. 81), District 11 City Council Member Eric Dinowitz, representatives from Bronx Community Board 12, Friends of Wakefield Playground, teachers and students from P.S. 16, children and teachers from Demores Childcare, and members of the community for the occasion.
“Wakefield Playground is a true neighborhood playground, and I’m thrilled that we have been able to completely rebuild it for the community,” said Rodriguez-Rosa. “This work would not have been possible without the support of our dedicated elected officials, and it is my hope that Wakefield Playground will be a source of joy and play for the children of this community for decades to come.”
Photo courtesy of NYC Parks
State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (A.D. 83) said of the renovated playground had finally received the facelift children and families deserved. “By making lasting investments like these, we are ensuring that the children of our community have somewhere safe to play, while also making their health and wellness a priority,” he said. “Thank you to all who made this possible.”
The $5.2 million project was funded with $3 million from the mayor’s office, $1 million from Jeffrey Dinowitz, $950,000 from Eric Dinowitz, and $250,000 from the Bronx borough president’s office.
Photo courtesy of NYC Parks
Meanwhile, Jeffrey Dinowitz said, “I am thrilled that the children of Wakefield will have this beautifully upgraded playground. When I saw the condition of the park several years ago, I knew something had to be done, and Assembly Speaker Heastie and I were able to secure funding to help make this happen.” He added, “I appreciate the efforts of former Council Member Andrew Cohen, Council Member Eric Dinowitz, State Senator Jamaal Bailey (S.D. 36), Community Leader Audrey McAllister and the great efforts of the Parks Department, in creating this wonderful playground.”
🌳This afternoon was the ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Wakefield Playground!
🌳This $5.2M investment provides a new entrance, ADA ramp, two basketball courts, sprinklers, swings, new lighting, new seating and a track and field. pic.twitter.com/ccitoTOThV
— Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson (@bronxbp) July 23, 2022
According to NYC Parks, the playground renovation includes all new play equipment and a spray shower. In the upper level, two new basketball courts, a painted junior soccer field and an additional entrance to increase safety have also been installed. Finally, a new ADA accessible ramp now connects both levels, and new paving, plantings, seating, and drinking fountains have also been added.
The renovation was timely given the recent heatwave and the attendees, even the elected officials, were seen testing out the spray showers on the day.
Photo courtesy of NYC Parks
For his part, the councilman said kids of the district deserved safe, fun, engaging places to play, and added that he was glad that the newly upgraded Wakefield playground truly ‘hit it out of the park,’ in meeting that goal. “The renovated space will serve to beautify our community, enhance safety and accessibility, and most of all show our kids we care,” said Eric Dinowitz.
“Thank you so much to everyone who came together to make this park happen, including the Parks Department, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, State Senator Jamaal Bailey, former Council Member Andrew Cohen, and Community Leader Audrey McAllister.”
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