NYC PARKS CELEBRATES $3.1 MILLION RECONSTRUCTION OF FERRY POINT PARK PLAYGROUND

Popular Throggs Neck playground has been enhanced with all-new play equipment, spray shower, and shade trees

NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura was joined today by Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, City Council Member Shirley Aldebol and community members to celebrate the reconstruction of the playground at Ferry Point Park in the Bronx. The $3.1 million capital project installed brand-new play equipment and amenities, with a refreshed layout designed to give Throggs Neck families a bright, welcoming place to play year-round.

"Ferry Point Park is one of the Bronx's great waterfront treasures, and every family who visits deserves a playground that is safe, modern, and fun," said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. "This playground reconstruction provides brand-new play equipment and a new spray shower to keep kids cool all summer long, with enhanced resiliency to ensure the site can be enjoyed for years to come. We are committed to providing the highest quality recreation spaces for all communities, and grateful to the City Council for funding this project."

The reconstructed playground features new play equipment for children of all ages, giving kids a place to climb, slide, and use their imaginations. An upgraded spray shower was relocated closer to the park's restroom, giving families an easy, refreshing way to cool off on hot summer days while keeping the surrounding play surface safer and drier. New shade trees were planted to provide natural relief from the sun, and a new drinking fountain and upgraded drainage system were added to make the playground more comfortable and resilient for years to come.

"As the summer season continues, we are excited to celebrate the full reconstruction of the playground at Ferry Point Park," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "With brand-new play equipment, a relocated spray shower, newly planted shade trees, and a modern drinking fountain, our young people and their families now have a safer, more welcoming place to enjoy the outdoors. Our parks and playgrounds are essential to the well-being of our communities, and I am deeply grateful to NYC Parks, my colleagues in government, community advocates, and everyone who helped bring this vital green space in the North Bronx back to life."

"Investing in our parks is one of the most direct ways we invest in families, children, and the quality of life in our neighborhoods," said State Senator Nathalia Fernandez. "The completion of the Ferry Point Park Playground is a meaningful milestone for Throggs Neck, and I'm proud to celebrate everyone who helped bring this upgraded space to the community."

"Ferry Point Park is one of the jewels of District 13, providing a safe and beautiful place for people to gather, families to celebrate, and kids to play. This major investment in the East Bronx is much needed, and will be a game changer for our communities," said City Council Member Shirley Aldebol. "As we experience another summer of record-breaking heat, improvements in shade trees and the spray shower will be particularly impactful for Bronx families. Thank you to NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura, Bronx Parks Commissioner Jessenia Aponte, the Parks Department, my colleagues on the City Council, and all others whose work went into making this project a reality. I look forward to working with you all on continuing to invest in improvements to our parks here in District 13."

Ferry Point Park sits on a striking stretch of Bronx waterfront originally acquired by the City in 1937 during construction of the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge. The park takes its name from the ferries that once carried passengers between the Bronx and Queens. Today, the area is also home to an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, ballfields, a waterfront walkway, and a salt marsh, making it a popular destination for recreation of every kind.