NYC PARKS REOPENS TOMPKINS SQUARE PARK FIELD HOUSE AFTER $5.6 MILLION IN RENOVATIONS

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

"This newly renovated field house will ensure that Tompkins Square Park can remain a vital hub for the East Village community for years to come," said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. "By modernizing the public restrooms, ensuring accessibility, upgrading the building's infrastructure, and creating a more functional space for park operations, we are making crucial improvements to this beloved local landmark. This project is a testament to our dedication to making our parks more inclusive, and it's a great example of how our parks and public spaces make our neighborhoods more engaging, accessible, and livable."

"Tompkins Square Park is the heart of the East Village, which has provided a space for gathering with friends and neighbors, enjoying nature, and experiencing cultural events for decades. Over my tenure, my office has worked closely with the Mayor's office, City agencies, Community Board 3, service providers, and neighbors to improve the park experience and the opening of the reconstructed Field House demonstrates our ongoing commitment. Our public spaces are precious, and we will continue to work in coalition to address public safety, park maintenance, sanitation concerns and more to ensure our community can continue to enjoy this neighborhood gem," said Council Member Carlina Rivera.

"I am excited to join Commissioner Donoghue and my neighbors in celebrating the reopening of the Tompkins Square Park Fieldhouse," said Assembly Member Harvey Epstein. "My kids used this park year after year for parties and the sprinklers during the summer. The public bathrooms were used by all until they got too run-down. It will be great to have the new bathrooms ready for use for individuals and families this summer." ]

"Manhattan Community Board 3 is proud to celebrate the long-awaited reopening of the fieldhouse," said Manhattan Community Board 3 Chairperson Andrea Gordillo. "This renovation reflects years of sustained community advocacy and a shared commitment to ensuring that the beloved Tompkins Square Park remains a welcoming, accessible and well-resourced public space for all. We commend the City for investing in critical park infrastructure and thank our neighbors whose voices helped make this milestone possible."

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 Mayoral 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.