Council Member Andrew Cohen has called for Kossuth Playground in Norwood to be included in the City’s Community Parks Initiative (CPI) when the program is expanded next year. In a letter to Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver, Cohen requested that the playground be considered as a potential CPI site due to its dire need for improvements and the passion of local park advocates.
Cohen and Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. have allocated a combined $1.16 million in capital funds for improvements to Kossuth Playground. Those funds will allow for renovations to be made to the basketball courts which are utilized on a daily basis. While the local elected officials are dedicated to enhancing the playground, a larger financial commitment than either of them can provide needs to be made.
The CPI was created to make unprecedented investments and needed improvements in small, neighborhood parks all across New York City. Additionally, the initiative seeks to engage communities and build partnerships with local residents and advocacy groups to improve usage of these parks. Mr. Cohen believes by including Kossuth Playground in the CPI the park will then receive more resources and expanded programming.
“Community advocates, the Borough President and I are committed to enhancing Kossuth Playground. I urge the Parks Department to join us by adding Kossuth to the Community Parks Initiative, said Council Member Andrew Cohen. “The CPI has built up neighborhood parks all throughout New York City and this designation will ensure that this playground will receive the necessary resources and expanded programming that the community deserves.”
“I’m excited to partner with Council Member Andrew Cohen to help with the renovations for Kossuth Playground, investing $500,000 in capital funds from this year’s budget to help jumpstart the project,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “I am a huge proponent of finding space for kids to play and have fun, in a safe environment that would allow for them to get exercise, run around and get some outdoor exercise like I used to when I was a kid. Improving our playgrounds is a priority, especially as we continue to push our ‘#Not62’ project that promotes a healthy lifestyle in The Bronx.”
