City announces $23.9M Bed-Stuy playground revamp

September 19, 2023 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, at the mike, speaks about the planned $23.9 million renovation of St. Andrew’s Playground in Bed-Stuy. Also seen here are Dan Garodnick, head of City Planning (right); and Council Member Chi Osse, directly left of Donoghue. NYC Parks photo/Malcolm Pinckney

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Community members, high-ranking city officials and elected representatives gathered on Monday to celebrate the dedication of the upcoming $23.9 million renovation of St. Andrew’s Playground in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

The renovation is related to the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan (AAMUP), a draft zoning framework for a stretch of roughly 13 blocks along Atlantic Avenue and adjacent streets.

The project will completely renovate the playground, installing new play areas, upgraded sports amenities including a brand new track, flexible seating, storm resiliency infrastructure, ADA-accessible entrances and more.

The Parks Department had previously announced a partial reconstruction in the park, focused on the playground areas. However, thanks to the additional funding, Parks will be able to complete a full renovation of the entire site.

“Housing and public space go hand in hand. We’re so grateful that alongside the AAMUP’s goal of adding approximately 4,000 new homes in Central Brooklyn, Mayor Adams has made the critical investment needed to completely renovate St. Andrew’s Playground for the first time in 20 years,” said Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue.

“Open space was identified as a key priority throughout the AAMUP engagement process, which is why we are so excited to be delivering these improvements to such a vital neighborhood park,” said Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick. “By pairing zoning changes with key investments like these, we’ll deliver an even more vibrant and active Central Brooklyn.”

“I am deeply proud of the work we all put into this and inspired by the results,” said Councilmember Chi Ossé, whose district includes St. Andrews Playground. “Thanks to the combined efforts of our Council offices and executive agencies, Crown Heights and Bed-Stuy will see a historic investment of tens of millions of dollars to develop this park to its full potential.”

As part of the project, the Parks Department will install a brand new, synthetic turf multi-use field with a running track; renovated playground spaces with new play areas for toddlers and children ages 5-12, including swing sets and a spray shower; new flexible seating and gathering spaces; additional shade trees and plantings; and green infrastructure for stormwater management.

Parks will also upgrade the existing sports facilities, including basketball and handball courts, renovate the existing public restroom for ADA-accessibility, and install new accessible entrances to the park.