What to know
- New York City officials announced a pilot program that will invest nearly three acres of NYCHA open space, including playgrounds in various public housing complexes.
- Reimagining and revitalizing open spaces is part of the initiative “Walk to a park“of the city that it will create and provide new services for NYCHA communities and other New Yorkers who don’t live near open space, especially those in areas that have few resources, according to the city.
- The $ 23 million pilot program will be invested in three public housing units in Queens, two in the Bronx and one in Brooklyn.
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NEW YORK – New York City officials have announced a pilot program that will invest nearly three acres of NYCHA open space, including playgrounds in various public housing complexes.
The announcement of the city came on the occasion of the inauguration ceremony of the new open space in Pomonok houses in Queens, a space that was rebuilt as part of the pilot program and now includes fitness equipment, sensory play equipment, seating and a new landscape.
“New York City’s parks, playgrounds and open spaces are not luxuries, they are necessities, and they play a vital role in community building and nurturing our physical, mental and emotional health,” said Adams.
Overall, 83.6% of New Yorkers currently live within walking distance of a park. However, rethinking and revitalizing open spaces is part of the initiative “Walk to a park“from the city it will create and provide new services for NYCHA communities and other New Yorkers who don’t live near open space, especially those in areas that have insufficient resources, according to the city.
“Everyone should have access to quality resources and services in their community, and this includes places to play and relax outdoors, especially for our younger neighbors,” said Jessica Katz, director of housing.
The $ 23 million pilot program will be invested in three public housing units in Queens, two in the Bronx and one in Brooklyn.
NYCHA and the New York City Department of Parks met with residents of Woodside, Pomonok, Redfern, Watson, Sotomayor and Kingsborough Houses to choose locations and help envision the new outdoors, according to the city. Construction work has since finished on the Pomonok Houses, the Woodside and Redfern Houses are underway, the Watson and Kingsborough Houses are expected to start by spring 2023 and the Sotomayor Houses to start by summer 2023.
“Providing accessible open space that connects NYCHA residents to outdoor and recreational activities is essential to improving the quality of life on our campuses,” said Greg Russ, NYCHA President and CEO.
As part of the partnership, the New York City Department of Parks will maintain and manage the renovated open spaces.
“All New Yorkers deserve to have high-quality parks within walking distance of their homes,” said Sue Donoghue, New York City Park Commissioner. “We are very proud of our partnership with NYCHA to transform underutilized areas under their jurisdiction into thriving public services and grateful for the hundreds of NYCHA tenants and community members who attended our input meetings and shared their dreams with us. for these spaces “.
According to officials, the projects included in this initial pilot program are:
Redfern houses: ($ 9.3 million)
- Size: 50,000 square feet of NYCHA recreation area e Redfern playground.
- Scope: Rebuild Redfern playground and the adjacent NYCHA open space to include an improved ball court, basketball court and handball court, play equipment, exercise equipment for teens and adults, and a grill area.
wHomes out of town ($ 1.2 million)
- Size: 6,500 square feet
- Purpose: To renovate a passive seating area and garden at Woodside Houses with new game tables, benches, gardens and pathways.
Pomonok houses ($ 3 million)
- Size: 13,000 square feet
- Scope: Open space reinvented at the Pomonok Houses to include fitness equipment, sensory play equipment, seating, and a new landscape.
Watson Homes ($ 2.5 million)
- Size: 9,300 sq ft.
- Scope: Renovate a playground and seating area at 1471 Watson Houses to include new play equipment, game tables, benches, splash guards, landscaping, and new adult exercise equipment.
Kingsborough houses ($ 5.1 million)
- Size: 20,000 and 16,000 square feet.
- Purpose: To revitalize two playgrounds at Kingsborough Houses with new play equipment, game tables, benches, splash guards and landscaping.
Sotomayor Houses ($ 1.9 million)
Size: 9,900 sq ft
Purpose: To renovate a playground at Sotomayor Houses with new play equipment, splash guards, game tables, benches, landscapes and new swings.
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