Twin Parks West Reopens Courtyard Play Area with PACT Improvements  

On June 28, the Twin Parks West community in the Bronx celebrated the reopening of the inner courtyard and recreational area after renovations were completed under NYCHA’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program. 

Representatives from NYCHA and Gilbane Development Company were joined by project staff and Twin Parks West residents to mark the completion of the redesigned courtyard. Coinciding with the end of the school year, the event also featured food and refreshments, a DJ, face painting for children, and other activities.  

The dedication comes nearly two years after the inner courtyard was closed for improvements, including two new playgrounds for children up to age 6 and youth ages 7 to 12 featuring a new splash pad area and safety surfacing. Other enhancements to the development’s courtyard are new game tables, seating areas, landscaping, LED lighting, and a space reserved for future murals.    

The $2.5 million project additionally features an upgraded basketball court with new surfacing, backboards, and painting, scheduled to debut in July.  

Residents at Twin Park West are among thousands of households across the Authority who have received comprehensive apartment renovations and building infrastructure improvements as a result of the PACT program. Under PACT, public-private partnerships are created in which developments are included in the federal Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) and transition to a more stable, federally funded program called Project-Based Section 8. NYCHA retains ownership while leasing the land and buildings to development partners, who conduct the repairs, serve as the new on-site property manager, and provide enhanced social services and community programs for residents. 

The courtyard renovations were conducted as part of the second phase of PACT improvements at Twin Parks West, while the first phase involved various upgrades to apartments and a remodeled community center, which opened last year. The new community space, including two classrooms, a computer lab, and office suite, is occupied by social service provider BronxWorks and the Twin Parks Resident Association in a separate wing.