NYC PARKS CELEBRATES THE RECONSTRUCTION OF EASTCHESTER PLAYGROUND

NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte today joined members of the Bronx community to cut the ribbon on the revamped Eastchester Playground following a $5.943 million reconstruction project that brought the first substantial upgrades to the site in nearly 30 years.

"High-quality parks are necessities for all New Yorkers - no matter your zip code. Residents of Eastchester Gardens and the surrounding community can now enjoy a more vibrant and accessible playground, with all-new play elements, a spray area for kids, an adult fitness area, and seating and game tables where visitors can relax," said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. "We're proud that construction on this project was completed several months ahead of schedule and also brings new ADA accessibility and resiliency features. We're committed to providing the highest quality amenities to communities that need them the most."

"Our parks and playgrounds are vital green spaces for our youth and families in our communities, offering free and safe opportunities for recreation and activity," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "With the renovations at Eastchester Playground, our residents will now enjoy upgraded play equipment, improved lighting for safety, new adult fitness options, and much more-all without leaving their neighborhood. I want to thank the Mayor`s Office and NYC Parks for their support of the Eastchester playground and ongoing investment in our borough`s green spaces."

Eastchester Playground is a popular recreation site for children residing at the adjacent Eastchester Gardens housing complex, as well as the surrounding neighborhood. The project added all-new play equipment that caters to multiple age ranges, including swings and ADA-accessible units. A new spray shower with a range of spray heights was installed, surrounded by a colorful painted track for kids to run and ride their bikes along. Benches and picnic tables were added near the play areas, while a new passive seating area with benches and game tables provide additional seating throughout the park.

New security lighting, adult fitness equipment, benches, and bike racks were also installed, and the site's entrance ramp was redesigned to improve accessibility. In addition, the project revamped the playground's handball courts and added bleachers and a new water bottle filler to the basketball courts. Construction began in March 2025 and was completed more than five months ahead of schedule.

The reconstruction project was funded by the NYC Mayor's Office.

Eastchester Playground first opened to the public in July 1950. In 1997, City Councilmember Lawrence A. Warden funded a $127,113 reconstruction of the playground facilities, and Mayor Rudy Giuliani allocated $14,094 for further renovation in 1998.