NYC Parks Breaks Ground on Glenwood Playground; Announces Phase 2

NYC Parks Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey today joined representative Kai Feder from the office of the Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams and community members to celebrate two projects that together will greatly revitalize Glenwood Playground in Brooklyn.

"The future of Glenwood Playground is bright thanks to the generous funding from Mayor de Blasio, Brooklyn Borough President Adams, and City Council Member Williams on these two major projects," says NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. "We are looking forward to completing both phases of improvements for this important community space that offers top quality facilities for both fitness and fun for all generations."

"I am proud to join Mayor de Blasio and Council Member Williams in funding the transformation of Glenwood Playground, polishing up this park to become one of East Flatbush's greatest gems," says Brooklyn Borough President Adams. "Open space is not a luxury for the few; it is a necessary component of a community that fosters healthy children and families. It does not matter if you are young or old, if you are rich or poor -- our parks bring together Brooklynites of every age, race and income level. I look forward to supporting more projects like this with my capital budget in the years ahead."

"I am proud to join the NYC Parks Department to announce the capital funds secured to improve Glenwood Playground for generations to come," said Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Brooklyn), Deputy Leader and Chair of the Council's Committee on Housing and Buildings. "Glenwood Playground and all parks in our community are critical to improving the safety, economy and wellbeing for everyone living in our District. I would like to thank the Administration, Speaker and Chair of the Council's Finance committee for their support of this initiative, and would like to thank all of the organizations and community members present today for your continued support in developing our neighborhoods. I look forward to seeing Glenwood Playground transform to a premier park in District 45."

A groundbreaking ceremony was today held on the $838,000 playground improvement, which is already underway. Funded by the Mayor with support from Council Member Williams, this project will reconstruct the playground with new play equipment, safety surface, swings, benches and pavement. New planted areas will increase the health of the existing trees and enhance the beauty of the playground making it more park-like.

NYC Parks also announced with the Council Member the second phase of Glenwood Playground. This $2.5 million project is jointly funded by Councilmember Williams ($2 million), and the Borough President ($500,000). This undertaking will transform the existing asphalt recreation area by creating a multi-use, synthetic turf sports field, three new, full, basketball courts with Plexiglas backboards, and an adult fitness area. The project will also reconstruct the handball courts, and improve fencing, drainage and water supply in the park. The project is now in design and work is expected to begin in 2016.

Photo Credit: Malcolm Pinckney