Photo Flash: NYC Parks Transforms White Park Into East Harlem Oasis

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, joined City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Congressman Charlie Rangel, Diane Collier, chair of Community Board 11, Friends of White Park and multiple community and children's groups to cut the ribbon on reconstrucTEd White Park in East Harlem/El Barrio. The park has been reconstructed to better suit the needs of people of various ages and abilities, and to provide additional play and educational value for the neighborhood's children and young adults.

"New York City's green spaces are our neighborhoods backyards; they bring communities together for activity and fellowship," saidCommissioner Silver. "We are grateful for the $3 million White Park funding from Mayor Bill de Blasio, City Council and Comptroller Scott Stringer when he was Manhattan Borough President. Now, the redesigned and constructed park has transformed into a refreshing oasis for East Harlem/El Barrio to enjoy either to play basketball or handball, run through the new spray shower or simply sit in the shade for physical or mental respite for people of all ages and abilities."

"We know how critical our parks and open spaces are to communities like ours and how much children and families rely on them for their recreation," said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. "It was because our young people, who were passionate about their park, that change at White Park was possible. Their commitment to their community has now given residents access to better play equipment, beautiful new greenery and freshly painted courts. The Council is proud to have allocated $1.2 million for this renovation and I thank Commissioner Silver and the de Blasio Administration for their commitment to bringing this project to fruition."

"Parks and public spaces are vital for the health and well-being of communities throughout our City," New York City Comptroller Stringersaid. "So many have contributed their time and effort to the reconstruction of White Park and the result of their hard work is here for all to see. Today is the first day of many that all of East Harlem will be able to enjoy this new green space, playground, and courts."

"Community Board 11 is very pleased with the new design of White Park, a major leisure destination for our children and adults," saidDiane Collier, chair of Community Board 11 - Manhattan. "Now with more play areas, seating, shade and green and blue play structures, the new White Park is as vibrant and colorful as the community it serves. Some of our most treasured memories are those spent with family and friends in a neighborhood park. On behalf of the East Harlem/El Barrio community, CB11 thanks Commissioner Silver and his design team for their vision and working with the board, and the Mayor, our Council Member, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito,and former Borough President Scott Stringer for the funding that made the new design of White Park and new memories possible."

The $3 million improvement project - funded by the Mayor's Office, City Council and former Manhattan Borough President, now Comptroller Scott Stringer - includes a central space in the park that opens up the flow to new play equipment for all age groups, interactive spray features, a sand box, resurfaced basketball and handball courts, track, game tables, seating and enhanced accessibility. Construction began in Summer 2015.

White Park honors renowned civil rights activist and author Walter White (1893-1955). White was born in Atlanta, Georgia, at age 25, White became Executive Assistant Secretary of the fledgling National Association for the Advancement of Colored Peoples (NAACP).Eighteen years later, he was appointed the Executive Secretary of the organization. During his tenure, White expanded the number of NAACP branches, increased the membership to more than 500,000, and helped found the Legal Defense and Education Funds, which fought for social integration in the 1950s and 1960s. During World War II (1939-1945), White served as a special correspondent for the New York Post in Europe and Japan. He was also an accomplished author of both fiction and nonfiction. His most widely read works were two fictionalized accounts of Southern lynchings, Fire in the Flint (1924), Rope and Faggot: A Biography of Judge Lynch (1929), and his acclaimed autobiography, A Man CallEd White (1948). In 1937, White received the Spingarn Medal in recognition of his efforts to improve the lives of African Americans. Eight years later, he served as a consultant to the United States delegation at the organizational meeting of the United Nations in San Francisco. White died in New York in 1955.