NYC PARKS COMPLETES $5 MILLION RENOVATION OF CUYLER GORE

Complete reconstruction of playground refreshes park with new play equipment, raised stage for performances, upgraded spray showers, and plantings for shade

Today, NYC Parks Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Martin Maher and New York City Council Member Crystal Hudson joined members of the community to celebrate the complete reconstruction of Cuyler Gore in Brooklyn.

The $5 million project rejuvenated the over 180-year-old park with upgraded play equipment, new paving and seating, and new trees and plantings throughout the greenspace. The reconstructed park also features an elevated stage, which has been refurbished to host community celebrations and performances. The reconstruction was funded at $5 million by the Office of Council Member Hudson. Parks was also joined by former Council Member Laurie Cumbo, who made the initial capital allocation during her term.

"For nearly two centuries, Cuyler Gore has been a critical public space for Brooklynites to relax and connect with their neighbors. This renovation completely rejuvenates the park with new features that New Yorkers of all ages will love, from new spray showers and seating to an upgraded stage for music and community events," said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. "Projects like this ensure that our shared greenspaces are safe and welcoming for all. We're grateful to Council Member Crystal Hudson for funding this project, and to all our partners in the community who have helped us make this major upgrade a reality."

Parks' full reconstruction of the beloved neighborhood park included installing brand-new play equipment for kids of all ages. Redesigned spray showers and greenery throughout the space will help visitors stay cool on hot summer days, while new seating options give neighbors a welcoming space to relax and connect. As part of the reconstruction, Parks transformed a formerly empty portion of closed street into a welcoming seating area, fully integrated into the park's landscape.

During the design phase of the renovation, community members frequently emphasized the importance of the park's elevated stage area, which hosts small-scale musical programming and community events. As part of the project, Parks rebuilt and upgraded the stage with new structural support and concrete steps, ensuring the park could continue to host lively community events.

Once owned by real estate developer George Howland (1801-1866), the western portion of this property was purchased by the City of Brooklyn in 1845 for one dollar. The park was expanded in 1983 when a portion of Cumberland Street closed and the parcel on Carlton Avenue was assigned to NYC Parks. This park is named for Dr. Theodore Ledyard Cuyler (1822-1909) a prominent local minister who led the Park Presbyterian Church in the City of Brooklyn. When the park was named for Dr. Cuyler, the pastor declined the offer of a monument in his honor and wrote in 1901 that "If my most esteemed friend the park commissioner...will direct that it be always kept as bright and beautiful with flowers as it now is, I shall be abundantly satisfied."

"Gore" refers to a small triangular park. In the garment world, a gore is a triangular piece of material inserted into clothing to widen or change its shape.

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