NYC PARKS CELEBRATES THE RECONSTRUCTION OF DAWSON PLAYGROUND IN THE BRONX

A $2.8 million mayoral investment transformed the playground into a modern, family-focused destination with new play equipment, a spray shower area, enhanced greenery, and improved safety features

NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte today joined Council Member Justin Sanchez, students and faculty from The Longwood Academy of Discovery, and members of the community to cut the ribbon on the reconstructed Dawson Playground following a $2.8 million capital project that brought sweeping improvements to the site.

The project was funded by the NYC Mayor's Office through the Community Parks Initiative (CPI), which reconstructs parks in neighborhoods that have historically been neglected.

"Dawson Playground has been completely reimagined as a welcoming space where families can come together, children of all ages can play safely, and neighbors can gather and enjoy the outdoors," said NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte. "From the new play equipment and spray shower to the expanded green spaces and improved lighting throughout, every element of this renovation was designed with the community in mind. We are grateful to the Mayor's Office for funding these upgrades and look forward to seeing this playground thrive for years to come."

"The reconstruction of Dawson Playground represents a meaningful investment in our community and a major step forward in creating a vibrant, family-friendly public space. This $2.8 million project has transformed the playground with new play equipment for children of all ages, an engaging spray shower area, accessible features, upgraded basketball courts, expanded greenery, and improved safety infrastructure," said New York State Assembly Member Emerita Torres. "Public spaces like this play a vital role in fostering community throughout the Bronx by bringing neighbors together, encouraging recreation, and creating opportunities for connection. I am especially proud of the thoughtful improvements that better connect the playground with the adjacent community garden and schoolyard, creating a more welcoming and integrated neighborhood destination. I am proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to seeing residents enjoy this vibrant, safe, and welcoming space for years to come."

"These upgrades to Dawson Playground are a fulfillment on a promise to the families of the South Bronx. Our children deserve the same high-quality parks and playgrounds that they see when they visit other parts of the city, and this investment helps make that a reality right here in our community," said Council Member Justin E. Sanchez. "Parks and playgrounds are the first interface that our children have with city government. A state-of-the-art play place like this will be the foundation of their relationship with the community and trust in our systems."

Launched in 2014, CPI provides equity-driven investments for parks that have not seen significant capital improvements in at least two decades and are located in neighborhoods with the highest need, based on factors such as poverty levels, population density, and population growth.

The capital project added new play equipment serving children across two age groups, joined by a swing set with bucket, strap, and accessible seats. At the heart of the site, a colorful octagonal spray shower anchors a gathering area with seating, while rubber safety surfacing runs throughout the play areas.

A perimeter fence shared with the adjacent Wishing Well Community Garden was lowered to better integrate the two spaces, and a new pedestrian connection links the spray shower area to the schoolyard gate. The site also received upgraded utility systems and new decorative security light poles. The adjacent school yard basketball courts received a freshly painted court surface and new polycarbonate backboards.

The playground's perimeter is defined by a new fence with two entrances, with street-facing benches along the sidewalk offering a comfortable spot for adults to enjoy the outdoors. Benches with armrests are found throughout the site. Tree pits were enlarged and a new triangular planting zone was added featuring transplanted trees, new small trees, and hardy shrubs. In addition, the sidewalk surrounding the playground was repaved.