Woodlawn community pushes back against Woodlawn playground closure ahead of summer
Parents in Woodlawn are pleading with the city to delay the closure of a popular neighborhood playground as it prepares for a major renovation project.
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Parents in Woodlawn are pleading with the city to delay the closure of a popular neighborhood playground as it prepares for a major renovation project.
The playground is set to close June 1 for a $5 million renovation that is expected to last until next May. Many families say they understand improvements are needed, but believe construction should begin in the fall instead of right as summer starts.
"This neighborhood is losing a resource of water, somewhere to play, somewhere to congregate," said Woodlawn parent Katrina Gumina. "There's no other walkable playground for the kids to go to."
Bronx Council Member Eric Dinowitz says the project has been delayed for years and believes the Parks Department should consider pushing construction back until September.
Sources with the Parks Department told News 12 the timing "unavoidably conflicts" with peak park usage, but says the work is necessary for the transformation of the space.
An official spokesperson sent News 12 the following statement: "We understand how important Woodlawn Playground is to neighborhood families, especially during the summer months. These renovations address long-needed improvements such as updated play equipment, accessibility upgrades, and safety enhancements that were requested by the community and will benefit children and families for many years to come. Delivering safe, beautiful, and enjoyable public spaces for this community is exactly what this work is about, and we are committed to completing it as efficiently as possible."
Parents say the closure will leave children without a nearby place to gather with friends throughout the summer. Meanwhile, Dinowitz told News 12 his office is working with the Parks Department to make sure there are other options for kids to play throughout the summer.
