2 Harlem Playgrounds Reopen After Yearslong Renovations

HARLEM, NY — After years of neighborhood complaints and millions of dollars' worth of construction, two newly renovated playgrounds opened their doors to Harlem families this month.

The middle playground at Morningside Park and the Thomas Jefferson Playground in East Harlem have both been outfitted with new equipment, seating, pavement and plantings — and in one case, a new basketball court, a Parks Department spokesperson said.

Work began last January at Thomas Jefferson Park, which borders the FDR Drive between East 111th and 114th streets, years after neighbors first complained about deteriorating conditions.

"It was sorely in need of an upgrade," said Assemblymember Robert Rodriguez.

Repairs were named as a top priority by Community Board 11 in early 2019, along with the P.S. 155 playground, Sunshine Playground and Mae Grant Park. (Renovations at P.S. 155 are funded but have not yet begun.)

Thomas Jefferson's reconstruction finally began after the $2.39 million project was funded by Councilmember Diana Ayala and former member Melissa Mark-Viverito. It includes a fully rebuilt playground, newly accessible play equipment, new benches, pavements, planted areas and a spray shower.

Meanwhile, construction began in December 2019 at Morningside's middle playground and basketball courts, near West 118th Street.

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The $4.37 million project, backed in 2018 by Community Board 9, includes a greener play space, new game tables, seating, lighting and adult fitness equipment, and newly reconstructed basketball courts that will be reopened this spring.

The work was funded by Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, City Councilmembers Mark Levine and Bill Perkins, and former member Inez Dickens.

"We are thrilled to reopen these playgrounds just in time for spring!" Parks spokesperson Megan Moriarty said. "Both have been completely redesigned with bright new features for the Harlem and East Harlem communities to enjoy."

Rodriguez said he was grateful for the repairs at Thomas Jefferson, but wished they had not taken so long to complete.

"Time matters," he said. "Three to five years for a project is a little bit too long."