Overview
- City Hall allocated the funding for Fiscal Year 2027 through the Community Parks Initiative to upgrade parks in underserved neighborhoods across all five boroughs.
- The Bronx will receive $19.5 million of the total, with Mott Playground getting $9.3 million, Fountain of Youth Playground $8 million, and Morris Mesa Playground $2.2 million.
- Projects will follow a community-driven design process with new play equipment, recreation amenities, and expanded green space, with construction expected to take three to four years.
- Officials say the improvements will benefit more than 100,000 residents, with CUNY research linking prior CPI renovations to higher park use, more physical activity, and reduced stress.
- The announcement comes as park advocates criticize the preliminary FY27 budget for falling short of a 1% parks funding pledge, and the administration says it remains committed to reaching that target by the end of the term.