NYC PARKS BREAKS GROUND ON RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT FOR DANIEL BOONE PLAYGROUND

An $8.4 million capital project will improve amenities, enhance accessibility and safety at Bronx playground

NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa today joined City Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, State Assemblymember Emérita Torres, State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda, and members of Bronx Community Board 3 to break ground on the reconstruction of Daniel Boone Playground in the Longwood neighborhood of the Bronx. The project will fully reconstruct the existing playground to add improved amenities and play equipment, with an emphasis on accessibility and sensory features.

"This $8.4 million project will completely reimagine Daniel Boone Playground, bringing the first upgrades to the site in nearly 30 years to create a more vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive space for the community," said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. "At Parks, we're committed to providing high-quality and resilient greenspaces with amenities that can be enjoyed by New Yorkers for generations to come, while bringing safe, clean, outdoor recreation to communities that need it the most."

The groundbreaking marked the start of construction on an $8.4 million project to fully reconstruct the existing playground and add new play equipment, including distinct play areas for ages 2 to 5 and ages 5 to 12. Amenities will include a playhouse, game tables, hopscotch and tic-tac-toe areas, and a variety of seating options. The enhanced playground will include an ADA-accessible carousel play feature, pavement of different textures, and synthetic turf mounds. New safety surfacing, a spray shower, pathways, plantings, and fencing will be added, along with two new playground entrances to welcome visitors. The site's drainage will be upgraded to better handle stormwater and prevent flooding. The project will also add lighting to the playground for the first time.

Located across the street from a school for children with autism and special needs, Daniel Boone Playground will contain elements designed for children with sensory issues. As part of the design process for the new playground, Parks met with students there and incorporated some of their ideas into the project design.

The project was funded by the Bronx Borough President and New York City Council. A future capital project will be completed to bring a public restroom building to the playground.

Land for the playground was acquired by the City as part of the construction of the Bronx River Expressway in 1948 and opened to the public as a children's play space in 1963. In 1987, former Parks Commissioner Henry Stern named the playground after American frontiersman Daniel Boone because of its proximity to Boone Avenue. A capital project was completed in spring 1997 to upgrade the site with new asphalt, fencing, safety surfacing, play equipment, and animal art.

"For the first time in nearly three decades, Daniel Boone Playground is getting the upgrades our children deserve," said City Councilmember Rafael Salamanca. "From new safety surfacing and modern amenities to sensory-friendly features designed specifically for children with autism and special needs, the new Daniel Boone Playground will truly reflect the community that surrounds it. Located across the street from P.S. X811, a school serving students with autism, this project reflects their voices, their ideas, and their needs. For this reason, I'm incredibly proud to have secured $12.2 million to completely reimagine Daniel Boone Playground and deliver a state-of-the-art, all-inclusive space for Bronx families, as well as a new comfort station. I'm grateful to NYC Parks and our community partners for helping bring this vision to life, and I look forward to seeing children of all abilities enjoy this vibrant, welcoming playground for generations to come."

"I'm thrilled to celebrate the reconstruction of the Daniel Boone Playground, a true investment in our children and families. This $8.4 million renovation transforms this beloved neighborhood park into an inclusive, safe and vibrant space where every child can play, learn and grow together," said State Assemblymember Emérita Torres. "I'm especially proud that this project was designed with input from local students and includes thoughtful features for children with sensory sensitivities. This playground represents what happens when we listen to our community and build spaces that reflect everyone's needs."

"The groundbreaking for the reconstruction of the Daniel Boone Playground marks a new chapter for our community," said State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda. "I am deeply grateful for the leadership and commitment of New York City Parks Commissioner Iris Rodríguez-Rosa and Bronx Parks Commissioner Jessenia Aponte, who have worked tirelessly to make this project a reality. Together, we reaffirm that investing in our public spaces is investing in the health, unity, and future of Bronx families."