These parks are about to go from lean to green.
A slew of neglected parks across Southern Brooklyn are set to receive major facelifts as part of a citywide effort to revamp community parks — thanks to the local councilman.
Southern Brooklyn’s greenspaces were initially left out of the city’s original plans, according to Council Member Mark Treyger (D–Coney Island), but he lobbied to secure funding for his home turf.
“The children, seniors, and families of Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Gravesend and Sea Gate deserve to have the access to beautiful, well maintained green and recreational spaces that other New Yorkers are able to enjoy,” Treyger said.
One of the greenswards getting a major facelift is Lafayette Playground, a triangular patch of concrete bounded by Benson Avenue, Stillwell Avenue and Bay 43rd Street that currently has no actual playground equipment to speak of. With $5.4 million from the city, the painted blacktop will become a meadow lined with trees and a new basketball court, and the work should be complete by next spring, according to Treyger’s office.
Across Stillwell Avenue from Lafayette Playground, Scarangella Park will be getting brand new playground equipment and a new comfort station, an improvement residents have long requested.
McDonald Playground, a popular tree lined meadow in Gravesend that contains tennis courts, basketball courts and playground equipment will receive an investment of $4 million from the city, which Treyer secured in partnership with Borough President Adams. The city will use the money to make safety enhancements, rebuild and expand the playground and renovate the heavily used basketball and handball courts, according to Treyger’s office.
Treyger also worked with Council Speaker Corey Johnson to secure $1.5 million to repave bike and pedestrian paths, install new signage and benches, and plant greenery at the Ocean Parkway Malls
“As this funding continues to clean up, modernize and enhance our parks and playgrounds, I encourage local residents to get out there and take advantage of the wonderful natural resources available right here in our own backyard,” Treyger said.
