New Open Space Improvements at Sotomayor Houses

Project brings new ADA-accessible play equipment, water play features, seating area, other amenities to playground

Completed as part of a $23 million NYC Parks & NYCHA initiative to renovate playgrounds and open spaces at NYCHA sites

NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue and NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt joined Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Community Board 9, and NYCHA residents to celebrate the reconstruction of open space at NYCHA’s Sotomayor Houses in the Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx.

“Our city’s public open spaces are vital for strengthening community connections, improving health, and enhancing public safety, as well as providing a venue for play and relaxation,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “We are thrilled to unveil these playground enhancements at Sotomayor Houses with our partners at NYCHA. We are sure that this revitalized playground will be enjoyed by NYCHA residents and community members alike for many years to come.”

“Open spaces are a bright spot for community members of all ages,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “From the new playground equipment to the game tables, the Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx has so much to gain from this rejuvenated and versatile outdoor space. We thank our City partners for their dedication to restoring and enhancing this community hub and improving the quality of life for NYCHA residents at Sotomayor Houses.”

Funded by $1.9 million from the Mayor’s Office, the capital project reconstructed the playground and open space at Sotomayor Houses, adding new ADA-accessible play equipment, water play features, game tables, a seating area, and a water bottle filler.

The project also added new landscaping and security lighting and fencing, and it upgraded the site’s drainage and water supply systems.

Originally opened in January 1955 as Bronxdale Houses, the housing complex was renamed in June 2010 in honor of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who lived there as a child. It is home to about 3,500 New Yorkers.

The project at Sotomayor Houses is part of a $23 million interagency initiative announced in 2022 to build new open spaces and playgrounds at six NYCHA housing developments. As part of the partnership, Parks will maintain and operate the renovated open spaces.

Reconstructing these six open spaces will improve upon previous amenities and create new recreational opportunities for the NYCHA community and beyond, making the sites accessible to all New Yorkers, including those who may not currently live within walking distance of a park.

The Sotomayor Houses project marks the fifth out of the six sites to be completed under the joint initiative:

Completed:

Pomonok Houses, Queens ($3 million)

Size: 13,000 square feet

Scope: This project reimagined an open space at Pomonok Houses to include fitness equipment, sensory play equipment, seating, and new landscaping.

Woodside Houses, Queens ($1.2 million)

Size: 6,500 square feet

Scope: This project revamped a passive seating and landscaped area at Woodside Houses with new game tables, benches, landscaping, and pathways.

Redfern Houses, Queens ($9.3 million)

Size: 50,000 square feet of NYCHA recreation area + Redfern Playground

Scope: This project reconstructed Redfern Playground and the adjacent NYCHA open space to include an upgraded ball field, basketball court and handball court, play equipment, fitness equipment for teens and adults, and a BBQ area.

Funded through Neighborhood Development Fund through the Far Rockaway Rezoning.

1471 Watson, Bronx ($2.5 million)

Size: 9,300 square feet

Scope: This project revamped a playground and seating area at 1471 Watson Houses to include new play equipment, game tables, benches, water play, landscaping, and brand-new adult fitness equipment.

Sotomayor Houses, Bronx ($1.9 million)

Size: 9,900 square feet

Scope: This project reconstructed a playground at Sotomayor Houses with new play equipment, water play, game tables, benches, landscaping, and more.

In progress:

Kingsborough Houses, Brooklyn ($5.1 million)

Size: 20,000 & 16,000 square feet

Scope: This project will revitalize two playgrounds at Kingsborough Houses with new play equipment, game tables, benches, water play, and landscaping.