NYC Parks Unveils $5.2 Million Overhaul of Wakefield Playground in The Bronx

Photo: NYC Parks / Malcolm Pinckney

On Friday, NYC Parks First Deputy Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa joined Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, City Council Member Eric Dinowitz, representatives from Community Board 12, Friends of Wakefield Playground, teachers and students from P.S. 16, children and teachers from Demores Childcare, and members of the community to celebrate the $5.2 million reconstruction of Wakefield Playground in the Bronx. 

“Wakefield Playground is a true neighborhood playground, and I’m thrilled that we have been able to completely rebuild it for the community,” said Deputy Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa. “This work would not have been possible without the support of our dedicated elected officials, and it is my hope that Wakefield Playground will be a source of joy and play for the children of this community for decades to come.” 

“Wakefield Playground has finally received the facelift our children and families deserve,” said NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. “By making lasting investments like these, we are ensuring that the children of our community have somewhere safe to play, while also making their health and wellness a priority. Thank you to all who made this possible.” 

State Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said, “I am thrilled that the children of Wakefield will have this beautifully upgraded playground. When I saw the condition of the park several years ago, I knew something had to be done, and Assembly Speaker Heastie and I were able to secure funding to help make this happen. I appreciate the efforts of former Council Member Andrew Cohen, Council Member Eric Dinowitz, State Senator Jamaal Bailey, Community Leader Audrey McAllister and the great efforts of the Parks Department, in creating this wonderful playground.” 

“The kids of our district deserve safe, fun, engaging places to play, and I am so glad that the newly upgraded Wakefield playground truly ‘hits it out of the park,’” says Council Member Eric Dinowitz. “The renovated space will serve to beautify our community, enhance safety and accessibility, and most of all show our kids we care. Thank you so much to everyone who came together to make this park happen, including the Parks Department, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, State Senator Jamaal Bailey, former Council Member Andrew Cohen, and Community Leader Audrey McAllister.” 

The Wakefield Playground renovation has brought all new play equipment and a spray shower to the park. In the upper level of the playground, two new basketball courts, a painted junior soccer field and an additional entrance to increase safety have been installed. A new ADA accessible ramp now connects both levels, and new paving, plantings, seating, and drinking fountains have all been added. 

The $5.2 million project was funded with $3 million from the Office of the Mayor, $1 million from State Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz, $950,000 from City Council Member Eric Dinowitz, and $250,000 from the Office of the Bronx Borough President.