Photo Flash: NYC Parks Cuts Ribbon on Nicholas A. Brizzi Playground Reno in Borough Park

NYC Parks Brooklyn Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey today joined City Council Members Brad Lander and Carlos Menchaca, and Brizzi family members at a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of a major renovation of Nicholas A. Brizzi Playground in Borough Park. Scroll down for photos!

"We are pleased to be here today to unveil improvements to Brizzi Playground," said NYC Parks Brooklyn Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey. "Thanks to the steadfast support of Council Members Lander and Menchaca, this revived space is the beautiful, multifaceted playground it should be, with something for everyone in the neighborhood to enjoy."

"It is a pleasure to be here today to unveil the new and improved Brizzi playground," said Council Member Brad Lander. "It was my honor to work together with Councilmember Menchaca to ensure that Borough Park has not only a fun new play area for children, but a re-energized park for the entire community to enjoy. I want to thank all the volunteers at Friends of Brizzi Playground for helping get us to this day, and I look forward to many more community events here at Brizzi."

"The importance of open spaces in Brooklyn--especially in the form of family-friendly parks--cannot be overemphasized. The renovation of Brizzi Playground provides local families and individuals the type of access that we want to see across every Council district, in every corner of our City. I am thankful to the NYC Parks Department, and to my colleague, Council Member Lander, for their commitment to opening this park. I look forward to continuing the dialogue on the critical importance of park equity as it relates to issues of quality of life, and of resource accessibility" said Council Member Carlos Menchaca, 38th District.

City Council Members Lander and Menchaca joined forces, allocating $500,000 each to fund this $1 million park improvement project. Responding to the needs of the community, this project converted an out-of-use bocce court into a multi-purpose synthetic turf field for children's play. Modern play equipment was added in addition to safety surfacing, a water fountain, and benches.

New landscaped areas add greenery to the space and delineate the play areas for different age groups. This project brings new life to a park that honors the memory of an outstanding community leader. Nicholas A. Brizzi (1918-1982), was a decorated veteran of World War II whose father Joseph, help found an immigrant support organization called Flower of Borough Park. Nicholas continued his father's efforts, and his family still works in service of the community today.