Tompkins Square Park Field House Reopens

Photo: NYC Parks / Daniel Avila

Upgraded public restrooms, new entryways, ADA-compliant ramps and renovated staff facilities enhance accessibility 

NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue yesterday joined New York City Councilmember Carlina Rivera, New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh, New York Assembly Member Harvey Epstein, Community Board 3 Chair Andrea Gordillo, and other community members to celebrate the reopening of the Tompkins Square Parks Fieldhouse.

Parks has completed a comprehensive renovation of both the building’s interior and exterior, including the four public restrooms, as well as upgrades to the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems to ensure modern functionality and efficiency.  

Accessibility improvements were a key focus of the renovation., Parks redesigned interior layouts, added new entryways, and installed ADA-compliant ramps to make the building accessible to all. The renovation also modernized key facilities such as the first aid room, lifeguards’ locker rooms and the Parks staff area, all designed to meet current needs and standards.  

The project was made possible by $5.6 million in funding. 

In conjunction with the Fieldhouse reopening, Parks transformed the area on the north side of the building with brightly painted games for kids, picnic and ping pong tables, benches, and decorative plantings. Parks has also spruced up the Slocum memorial fountain, and volunteers have helped to further beautify the area. 

The upgraded public restroom building is a part of NYC Parks’ “Better Bathrooms” initiative, one of ten strategic investments included in the Vital Parks for All framework. Through this program, Parks aims to build 46 new restrooms and renovate 36 existing facilities. Parks will construct ten new restrooms in the Bronx, seven on Staten Island, 23 in Brooklyn, 28 in Manhattan, and 14 in Queens, adding to New York City’s nearly 1,000 public restrooms. Improvements to the 36 existing restrooms will range from additional stalls to accessibility upgrades and energy-efficient features.