A local park will soon reopen after being closed to the community for years.
The renovation of Mount Hope Garden was announced by Councilman Fernando Cabrera and NYC Parks at the park’s ground breaking on Tuesday, May 30.
Renovations for the park include the installment a new playground area and equipment for children (ages 2-12) as well as a new spray shower and an accessible drinking fountain.
The park’s seating and planting areas will also be improved, while the park’s previously deteriorated wall will be retained.
Cabrera, along with Parks commissioner Mitchell Silver, Bronx Parks commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, Senator Gustavo Rivera, Assemblyman Jose Rivera, local residents, as well as students from nearby P.S. 279, The Captain Manuel Rivera, Jr. School, attended the ground breaking ceremony.
“This community will finally have a beautiful space that it deserves – a beautiful space that will provide a great place for accessible recreation and enjoyment,” said Cabrera, who allocated $2 million in funding for the project. “The long awaited renovation will now be a reality – and the improvement to this cherished neighborhood park will make this community better for everyone.”
Cabrera has been pushing for the renovations of this park, along with other parks in his district, including Grand Playground, since 2013.
The long-shuttered, square-parcel park, located just off of East Burnside Avenue between Morris and Creston avenues, will reopen nearly five years after it was closed due to safety and health concerns, including a standing body of water in the middle of the park which attracted mosquitos.
The park’s closing occurred less than a year following a previous renovation. After just six months, sinkholes began to develop in sections of the park which posed a safety risk for the community.
“Though small in size, we know just how hugely important Mount Hope Garden is to this community,” said commissioner Silver. “This playground is one of our many locally treasured sites that present the opportunity for residents and neighbors to come together and enjoy a beautiful outdoor area.”
Mount Hope Garden’s renovation is expected to be completed by spring 2019.
