The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation has celebrated yet another milestone with the ribbon cutting of Campanaro Playground.
Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe was joined by Deputy Borough President Aurelia Green, Assemblyman Carl Heastie, Councilmember Larry Seabrook, a representative of Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, and members of Community Board 11, Community Board 12 and the Chester Civic Improvement Association to celebrate the momentous occasion on Monday, August 31.
“It’s wonderful for children to have greenery and trees around them, not only for their health, but so they can appreciate nature,” said Green. “We are so delighted to be able to encourage parks throughout our borough.”
The $1.7 million in renovations to the playground, renamed in 1985 in honor of Angelo E. Campanaro, a community activist and president of the Chester Civic Improvement Association and CB12, are apart of the Croton Mitigation Funds.
“Often when we have ribbon cuttings it is weeks after the park has opened, but this is truly the first day this park is open,” said Benepe. “This is yet another park funded through the Croton Mitigation Funds, thanks to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and the Municipal Water Finance Authority.”
Improvements include a new spray shower, play equipment, park seating, fencing and landscaping. Restoration was done to the existing basketball court, handball courts and comfort station, which is now ADA compliant.
Currently, Parks has completed 31 Croton-funded projects for a total of $64 million, with 22 projects currently in construction, totaling $63 million, and an additional 22 in the design process, which are expected to total $72 million.
“We are proud to celebrate the re-inauguration of an important park dedicated to a former parishioner, man of faith and man of the community,” said Father Robert Quarato, pastor of Holy Rosary Church. “This is a testament to him and his vision. When there are so few safe places for children today, we welcome a secure environment for them to play.”
