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Redfern playground and open space improvements
Partners Repair & Rebuild Top Story 

NYC Parks and NYCHA Celebrate Completion of Playground and Open Space Renovations in Queens

Michael

Redfern Houses Park and Playground and Woodside Houses seating area were completely renovated through $23 million NYC Parks and NYCHA initiative to renovate playgrounds and open spaces

On July 24, NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue and NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt joined Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson, Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, Community Board 14 District Manager Jonathan Gaska, Redfern Houses Resident Association President Kimberly Comes, members of the NYCHA resident association, residents, and community members to celebrate both the completion of the Redfern Houses Park and Playground renovation and the new seating area at Woodside Houses. The completion of these projects represents the second and third renovations finished as part of a $23 million interagency open space upgrade initiative. 

“We are so excited to unveil these new amenities to the Redfern and Woodside residents, the latest park and playground renovations completed as part of our interagency open spaces upgrades project with our partners at NYCHA,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Parks and open spaces are so important for New Yorkers, helping to foster community connections, promote exercise, and provide much-needed space for relaxation. It is our hope that these new spaces will be loved by residents and community members alike for generations to come.” 

“The middle of the summer seems like the perfect time to celebrate the construction of this amazing new open space at Redfern Houses,” said NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “We are ecstatic to have turned this space into a community hub where residents can enjoy the reconstructed playground, upgraded courts and ball field, outdoor exercise equipment, and grilling area. We thank Mayor Adams and our partners at New York City Parks for bringing new life to this open space for residents and the surrounding communities, in addition to five other NYCHA campuses, including Woodside Houses’ new seating area.” 

Revitalizing these six open spaces as part of the initiative will improve existing 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 Walk to a Park initiative focuses on increasing access to parks and open spaces, concentrating on areas of the city that are under-resourced and where residents are living farther than a walk to a park. 

Redfern playground and open space improvements
Redfern playground and open space improvements
Redfern playground and open space improvements
Redfern playground and open space improvements
Redfern playground and open space improvements
Redfern playground and open space improvements

Project Details

Newly Completed: 

Redfern Houses, Queens ($9.3 million)  

  • Size: 50,000 square feet of NYCHA recreation area and Redfern Playground 
  • Scope: The 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 an upgraded BBQ area.  
  • Funded through the Neighborhood Development Fund through the Far Rockaway Rezoning. 

Woodside Houses, Queens ($1.2 million)  

  • Size: 6,500 square feet 
  • Scope: This project revamped a landscaped area at Woodside Houses and created a newly accessible seating area with new game tables, benches, landscaping, and pathways. 

Completed: 

Pomonok Houses, Queens ($3 million) 

  • Size: 13,000 square feet 
  • Scope: This project has re-imagined an open space at Pomonok Houses to include fitness equipment, sensory play equipment, seating, and new landscaping. 

In progress: 

1471 Watson, Bronx ($2.5 million) 

  • Size: 9,300 square feet 
  • Scope: This project will revamp 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. 

Kingsborough Houses, Brooklyn ($5.1 million) 

  • Size: 20,000 and 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. 

Sotomayor Houses, Bronx ($1.9 million) 

  • Size: 9,900 square feet 
  • Scope: This project will revamp a playground at Sotomayor Houses with new play equipment, water play, game tables, benches, landscaping, and brand-new swings.

Photo credit: NYC Parks/Daniel Avila