NYC Parks Joins O'Rourke Family to Break Ground on Playground Renovations

NYC Parks Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey yesterday joined City Council Member Vincent Gentile, the family of Patrick O'Rourke and local community members to break ground on a $1 million makeover of Patrick O'Rourke Playground in Brooklyn. The playground was first constructed in 1956, but has not received any renovations since the 1990s.

In 2003, the site was renamed for O'Rourke, a local boy who suffered a tragic accident while hospitalized at the age of 8 and passed away some 20 years later after touching the lives of many. His family, originally from this Dyker Heights neighborhood, turned the tragedy into progress by successfully lobbying and making mandatory laws and procedures that protect thousands of patients in hospitals and medical establishments across the country.

"Patrick O'Rourke Playground is beloved in the Dyker Heights community, and I know it is especially meaningful to the O'Rourke family," said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. "This renovation will be significant to the neighborhood, offering so many new amenities that people of all ages can enjoy. From the spray shower to the swings, surfacing and picnic area, Council Member Gentile's generous funding will go a long way in transforming this playground. NYC Parks is excited to get to work on this project so we can open it back up to the community better than ever."

"Patrick O'Rourke Playground is a daily destination for families in Dyker Heights. I felt it was my duty to allocate funds for this renovation to serve this community and to honor Patrick and the O'Rourke family," said Council Member Gentile. "The renovation will amplify all features of the park, benefiting generations of children for years to come. Conveniently located and frequented by many, Patrick O'Rourke Playground deserves this transformation and I am proud to have led this initiative. I want to thank NYC Parks and Community Board 10 for working with me on this valuable endeavor."

This project includes new paved surfaces and drainage, brand new swings, play equipment, safety surface, and a tot play house. A new water play area and drinking fountains will be installed, in addition to new picnic tables, benches and a renovated flagpole. And in addition to the beloved bear currently in the playground, Parks will be installing a brand new cub to keep her company. New trees, flowering shrubs and landscaping will complete the transformation of the once aging playground to a beautiful community park and play area worthy of the name of Patrick O'Rourke.

"Today's groundbreaking brings tears of joy to our family. Words cannot express how much this ceremony means to us," said Elaine O'Rourke, mother of Patrick O'Rourke. "There is not a day that goes by that we do not think of Patrick. The renovation ensures that Patrick's legacy will live on forever through the laughter and play of children in this special place. Thank you Councilman Gentile, NYC Parks and Brooklyn Community Board 10 for bringing this project to life."