NYCHA Now

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NYCHA Now
June 2023 Partnerships 

NYCHA, NYC Parks Kick Off Open-Space Revamp at 1471 Watson Avenue 

Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) have set in motion the construction of an upgraded playground and open space area for the community at 1471 Watson Avenue in the Bronx.  

On June 13, local community members were joined by NYCHA Interim CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt, NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, Assemblymember Kenny Burgos, and City Councilmember Rafael Salamanca Jr. to break ground for the renovation of the 9,300-square-foot play space at 1471 Watson Avenue.  

The project is the fourth renovation carried out under a $23 million initiative by the Authority and NYC Parks to upgrade a total of six playgrounds and open spaces at NYCHA developments. This work supports the City’s Walk to a Park initiative, which focuses on increasing access to parks and open spaces, especially in areas of the city where residents live farther than walking distance to a park.  

“All New Yorkers should have access to open spaces close to home,” NYCHA Interim CEO Bova-Hiatt said. “Spaces to sit outside and relax, for children to play, for communities to come together. We thank Mayor Eric Adams and our partners at New York City Parks for reimagining this open space at 1471 Watson, as well as five other NYCHA campuses, for residents and the surrounding communities.”  

Parks Commissioner Donoghue added: “We are thrilled to be working with our partners at NYCHA on yet another playground renovation project as part of our ongoing commitment to revitalize six playgrounds on NYCHA campuses. When this project is complete, the residents of 1471 Watson will have a beautiful new place to play, relax, and build community, and we can’t wait to unveil these new amenities for the neighborhood at large to enjoy.” 

The $2.5 million project at 1471 Watson will revamp the outdoor playground and seating area to include new play equipment, game tables, benches, a water play area, landscaping, and brand-new adult fitness equipment. 

The five other NYCHA sites receiving improvements as part of the initiative include Pomonok, Woodside, and Redfern Houses in Queens; Kingsborough Houses in Brooklyn; and Sotomayor Houses in the Bronx.