From Basketball Hoops To A Tennis Court, New Park Offers Refuge Of Fun
If you feel like packing your water bottle, piling on the sunscreen, and taking a walk across the border to Borough Park, a new playground just opened behind PS 192 at 4715 18th Avenue that includes everything from a large running track to a tennis court and basketball hoops.
Councilman David Greenfield, state Sen. Simcha Felder, Brooklyn Borough Parks Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey, and PS 192 Principal Liset Isaac yesterday officially unveiled the new green space – the first park in the area in modern history, which the area leaders said will serve thousands of nearby residents who previously lacked access to close outdoor space.
A multi-million dollar project funded by Greenfield and Felder, the space’s amenities also include two new turf fields, a tot lot, an area for 5- to 12-year-olds, and a play area specially designed to accommodate children in wheelchairs. The park also has maps and games painted on the asphalt, more than 25 trees, and numerous benches. To ensure that all children have a space to play, the playground will also contain ramped play equipment, ground-level play features, accessible swings, wheelchair-accessible tables, and drinking fountains.
From a release issued by Greenfield:
“I’m so proud that we have literally turned a wasteland into a beautiful new park in our community. As a Councilman, funding our community’s parks has been one of my top priorities because everyone enjoys our parks. We all need open space to enjoy some fresh air, exercise and play with our kids and grandkids. I especially thank Senator Simcha Felder and Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey for working with me year-round to make sure that our community has beautiful open spaces,” said Councilman Greenfield.
“For many years, the standard joke was that Borough Park didn’t have any parks. Thanks to the Schoolyards to Playgrounds Program and the additional resources which both Councilman Greenfield and I secured, this park promises to be one of the best in the City,” said Senator Simcha Felder (D-Brooklyn), Chair of the Senate’s Children and Families Committee and New York City Education Subcommittee. “The opening of this park has long been eagerly awaited by the entire community. It is gratifying to see the culmination of a project we began more than seven years ago when I was in the City Council which will benefit so many children and seniors who rely on the City’s parks for recreation and exercise. I commend Councilman Greenfield for seeing this wonderful park through to completion and thank him for his leadership on this issue.”
PS 192 students will use the park during school hours, and the public will have complete access to it after school and on weekends and holidays until dusk.
Photo via Councilman David Greenfield