NYC PARKS CELEBRATES $2.4 MILLION RECONSTRUCTION AT CHIEF DENNIS L. DEVLIN PARK

Community Parks Initiative investment transformed the Bronx park into a universally accessible greenspace with new amenities for all ages

NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte was joined today by State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, State Assemblymember Karines Reyes, City Council Member Amanda Farias, Community Board 9 Deputy District Manager Shirley SanAndres-Alonzo and members of the community to celebrate the completion of a comprehensive $2.4 million reconstruction of Chief Dennis L. Devlin Park in the Bronx. Funded through the Community Parks Initiative, the project fully rebuilt the park from the ground up, delivering new active and passive use areas, upgraded safety and lighting infrastructure, and improved access for all visitors.

"Chief Dennis L. Devlin Park has been given new life, and the Bronx community that calls this park home deserves every bit of it," said NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte. "From the new spray shower and seating areas, the accessible painted games, and to the expanded plantings which provide real greenspace, this reconstruction was designed with this neighborhood in mind. Every community deserves a park they are proud of, and today we delivered on that promise."

"Upgrades to Chief Dennis L. Devlin Park will help create a vibrant outdoor gathering place for Unionport residents and families," said New York State Senator Nathalia Fernandez. "As summer draws closer, I am grateful to see these investments in our parks and green spaces so our communities have safe, updated places to play, relax, and come together."

The $2.4 million reconstruction of Chief Dennis L. Devlin Park is a long-needed investment for neighbors between Parkchester and Castle Hill, who will benefit from this revitalized public space for years to come," said Council Member Amanda Farías. "With safer pedestrian access, improved lighting, accessible seating, expanded plantings, and cooling features, this project strengthens the everyday function of the park and makes it easier for residents of all ages to use and enjoy. In the Bronx, smaller recreational areas are where families gather, seniors socialize, neighbors connect, and residents find breathing room close to home. I am grateful to NYC Parks, Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte, Community Board 9, and the residents whose input helped shape this project, and I look forward to continuing our work to ensure parks across District 18 are improved, maintained, and cared for long after the ribbon is cut."

"The renovation of the Chief Dennis L. Devlin Park is part of a larger commitment to revitalize safe spaces within historically overlooked communities," said Bronx Community Board 9 Chair Shirley SanAndres-Alonzo. "We, at Community Board 9, are elated to welcome the new additions and improvements in our own backyard."

The $2.4 million project comprehensively reconstructed the park, installing new concrete and asphalt pavements with painted games, a new sidewalk along Olmstead Avenue providing safe pedestrian access, and a variety of seating options including ADA-accessible furnishings. New water service brought a drinking fountain, a ground hydrant for park maintenance, and a spray shower to provide cooling relief and quiet the noise of the nearby Cross Bronx Expressway. Seven new light poles were installed throughout the park, along with three new luminaires on existing street poles along the perimeter, improving nighttime safety.

A new perimeter fence with three wide entrance points was installed to welcome visitors, maintain pedestrian flow, and improve park safety. Expanded planting beds and new planting areas were added to protect and highlight the park's mature shade trees, increase permeable surface area, and keep temperatures low. Amenities for dogs were also added per community request, with a dog waste bag dispenser and a dog bowl on the bottle filler helping out local dog walkers.

The Community Parks Initiative provides investments in neighborhood parks with the greatest needs, focused on dense and growing communities that have not seen significant capital investment in a generation. Through this initiative, NYC Parks works directly with New Yorkers to redesign and reconstruct local parks, make targeted physical improvements, enhance programming, and build stronger partnerships with the communities these parks serve.