The Parks Department recently completed upgrades to the playground at the Sotomayor Houses in Soundview, and officials with NYC Parks and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) unveiled the improvements earlier this week.
The officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 1 to mark the completion of the revamp, which includes new playground equipment, water features and seating areas. NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, and representatives from Community Board 9 attended the event.
“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 Commissioner Donoghue. “We are thrilled to unveil these playground enhancements at Sotomayor Houses with our partners at NYCHA.”
The improvements were funded by $1.9 million from the Mayor’s Office as part of a $23 million initiative between NYC Parks and NYCHA to renovate open spaces and playgrounds at six NYCHA developments.
The Sotomayor Houses project has brought new ADA-accessible playground equipment, water play features, game tables, seating areas, and a water bottle filler to a 9,900-square-foot area. Additional upgrades include new landscaping, enhanced security lighting and fencing, and improved drainage and water systems.


“Open spaces are a bright spot for community members of all ages,” said NYCHA CEO 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.”
Originally opened in 1955 as Bronxdale Houses and renamed in 2010 in honor of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who grew up there, the complex is home to about 3,500 residents. The open space renovation aims to offer the community a safe and vibrant area for recreation and socialization.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson expressed the significance of the revitalized space for the neighborhood. “Today, we gather to celebrate the revitalization of a cherished community space here at Sotomayor Houses,” said Gibson. “This project is not just about building playgrounds; it’s about building stronger, healthier communities for the residents of Sotomayor Houses and the surrounding Soundview neighborhood.”
The Sotomayor Houses project is part of a larger $23 million interagency initiative launched in 2022 to renovate and build new open spaces across six NYCHA sites, enhancing recreational opportunities and access to safe public spaces for all residents, including those who may not live within walking distance of a park.
Of the six, two are in the Bronx. In addition to the revamp at Sotomayor Houses, the playground at 1471 Watson Houses in the Bronx has undergone a $2.5 million revamp, which has been completed. That revamp included a 9,300-square-foot playground and seating area featuring new play equipment, game tables, water play, landscaping, and adult fitness equipment.
The other four sites are located in Queens and Brooklyn.
NYC Parks will maintain and operate the newly renovated open spaces under this initiative.