NYC PARKS UNVEILS REIMAGINED GALILEO PLAYGROUND IN MORRIS HEIGHTS

A $7 million reconstruction project, shaped by the community, brings new play areas, swings, a spray shower, and a gathering space with seating

NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura was joined today by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez, Community Board 5 Chairperson Osiris Guzman and community members to celebrate the reconstruction of Galileo Playground in the Bronx. The renovated playground features separate play areas for younger and older children, new swings, sensory play elements, a spray shower, a turf gathering space, new trees and plantings, a drinking fountain and bottle filler, and security lighting.

"Galileo Playground is a cornerstone of Morris Heights, and this neighborhood deserves a park that is safe, modern, and full of fun," said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. "With new play areas for kids of every age, a spray shower to beat the summer heat, and a welcoming space for neighbors to gather, this park is ready to serve families for years to come. Parks are where communities come together, and we can't wait to see this one filled with life. We are grateful to the Mayor's Office and City Council for making these improvements possible."

"Our parks are essential green spaces in our communities, and with the upgrades to the Galileo playground, more of our children and families will be able to enjoy new swings, sensory play elements, a spray shower, a new turf field, and other enhancements that will improve the experience for our Morris Heights neighborhood," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "Thank you to NYC Parks, Council Member Pierina Sanchez, Bronx Community Board 5, our parks advocates, and everyone else who helped make this reconstruction possible."

"I want to thank the City for investing $7 million in our local parks. Every child deserves a safe place to play, explore, and spend time with their families," said New York State Assembly Member Landon Dais. "The redesigned Galileo Playground offers something for children of all ages and creates a welcoming space for families and neighbors to come together."

"Bronx Community Board 5 is very excited for the reopening of Galileo Playground. This is an important moment for our community and a significant investment in our children and families," said Community Board 5 Chairperson Osiris Guzman. "The board has long advocated for improvements to this playground, and we're pleased to see it become a reality. I want to personally thank NYC Parks, our elected officials and everyone who made this project possible. Every child deserves a safe place where they can play and enjoy in their community. We look forward to continuing our work to improve parks and public spaces throughout CB5."

The redesigned playground gives children of all ages their own place to play. Older kids can explore new play equipment, sensory play features, and a new swing set. Toddlers can enjoy shaded tot swings, a quiet play corner with playhouses, and other equipment. A new spray shower at the center of the park keeps kids cool in the summer, and a looping path lets children ride scooters safely away from the street.

At the heart of the park, a new turf gathering space with seating offers room for performances, programs, and everyday moments with friends and neighbors. New shade trees and plantings add greenery throughout the site, and every play space and pathway is now fully accessible. The park was also rebuilt on a stable new foundation to improve durability.

The project was completed through the Community Parks Initiative (CPI), which reconstructs parks in neighborhoods that have been underserved.

Galileo Playground opened in 1999 on a lot once occupied by residential and commercial buildings. It is named for the Italian astronomer and mathematician Galileo Galilei. The park is heavily used by children and families from neighboring schools MS 232: The Academy School and HS 365: The Academy for Language and Technology, as well as the local community.