$417 Million Capital Investment for 100+ Projects Paused During COVID-19 Pandemic Will Move Into Construction This Spring
Projects Focus on Sustainability and Equity: 86 Percent of Projects Include Sustainable Features, 62 Percent Located in Underserved Neighborhoods
Mayor Adams, Commissioner Donoghue Break Ground on $2.2 Million Saratoga Playground Renovation on Brownsville/BedStuy Border
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue today announced that the city will break ground on 104, previously paused park projects this spring, an incredible 142 percent increase in parks construction projects compared to 2021. Mayor Adams and Commissioner Donoghue made the announcement at Saratoga Playground in Brownsville where the city broke ground on at $2.2 million full renovation of the playground.
“New York City’s parks aren’t luxuries, but necessities — playing a critical role building community and nurturing our physical, mental, and emotional health,” said Mayor Adams. “Parks can be the great equalizers, which is why every New Yorker, regardless of zip code or color, deserves access to a park. This $417 million investment to revitalize over 100 parks, playgrounds, and greenspaces is a major milestone in our recovery that will pay dividends for generations to come.”
“The pandemic lockdown proved just how important parks and open spaces are to all New Yorkers and we couldn’t be happier to move forward on more than $417 million in capital projects that update, improve, and rethink our parks and playgrounds for the community members who rely on them,” said Parks Commissioner Donoghue. “There’s no better place to make this announcement than Saratoga Park in Brooklyn, where we are completely upgrading a neighborhood playground that hasn’t seen major improvements in more than 20 years.”
Previously on hold in procurement due to the COVID-19 pandemic-related construction pause, the 100+ park improvement projects, set to start this spring, represent more than $417 million in investments, making the city’s public green spaces more sustainable, accessible, and vibrant.
More than 86 percent of these projects include sustainability features such as LED lighting, rain gardens, planting of new trees, on-site stormwater capture, and use of recycled and resilient materials. Additionally, 62 percent of projects are in underserved neighborhoods as identified by the Task Force on Racial Inclusion & Equity. These projects are expected to take 12-18 months to complete; New Yorkers will be able to enjoy 100 newly renovated park projects in their neighborhoods by summer 2023.
Mayor Adams and Commissioner Donahue made today’s announcement at Saratoga Park Playground in Brooklyn. Saratoga Park is a treasured community park on the border of Brownsville and Bedford Stuyvesant. It is the second largest park in the historic neighborhood and features a bronze and pink granite memorial to the people of the community who gave their lives in World War I. The playground is currently under construction and will soon boast new play equipment, including swings, a spray shower, a tot play area, ground games, new lighting, and the restoration of the surrounding lawn. The $2.183 million project is funded by the City Council and is expected to be complete by spring 2023.
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