NYC Parks Transforms Gravesend Park, Breaks Ground on Phase II Renovations

NYC Parks Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey today joined City Council Member David Greenfield, Representative Sandra Chapman from the office of Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Community Board 12 District Manager Barry Spitzer, local students and community members to break ground on the second phase of renovations to Gravesend Park.

This phase consists of $5.45 million worth of improvements, funded with generous allocations of $2.65 million from Council Member David Greenfield, $1.8 million from Mayor Bill de Blasio, and $1 million from Borough President Eric Adams.

"Gravesend Park serves so many communities in Brooklyn, and Parks is excited to break ground on the next phase of renovations," said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. "Park users will be able to enjoy many new features, from swings to sports courts, better lighting and benches. Thanks to the Mayor's Office, Borough President Adams and Council Member Greenfield for their support in funding the transformation of this treasured park."

"I am pleased to join with Mayor de Blasio, Commissioner Silver, Borough Commissioner Jeffrey, and Council Member Greenfield to break ground on the future of this Borough Park jewel," said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. "Enhancing open space is a priority for my administration, creating opportunities for Brooklynites to enjoy passive and active recreation while greening our borough. This is only the beginning for Gravesend Park!"

"Today is a great day for Borough Park. Our neighborhood's most utilized park is getting four new playgrounds, two new swing sets, new basketball courts, paddle ball courts and a brand new field," said Council Member David Greenfield. "I am really honored to be able to make this dream a reality. I spent many weekends in this park as a kid waiting for a free swing or piece of play equipment. In 18 months when this renovation is complete, we will have the best park for kids of all ages in Southern Brooklyn."

This project will continue the transformation of Gravesend Park. The construction of this site will double the size of the playground with swings and new play equipment. Additionally, there will be new basketball and handball courts, and reconstructed and re-aligned baseball fields. A renovated seating area, new benches and lighting will also be added. The comfort station and most of the existing playground will remain open during this phase of construction.

During the first phase of renovations in 2008, NYC Parks redesigned Gravesend Park to best meet the recreational needs of the growing population of toddlers and young children. Its reconstruction included a new playground with adventure play equipment, a play mountain, swings and a spray shower. It also featured cafe tables and benches for senior citizens, and a wide array of plants and shrubs.

The park's ballfields were also restored in-house by NYC Parks maintenance and operations crews. They sifted through 1,800 cubic yards of soil to remove debris, added another 450 yards of topsoil, brought in 60 cubic yards of clay for the infields, and seeded, watered and groomed the fields.

The comfort station has also been funded by Council Member Greenfield for reconstruction in a future phase.

Located between 18th and 19th Avenues and 55th and 58th Streets, Gravesend Park serves the residents of Borough Park and its surrounding areas. This renovation is part of Council Member Greenfield's plan to improve all parks in his district, serving the people of Borough Park, Bensonhurst and Midwood.

Photo Credit: Daniel Avila/NYC Parks