NYC PARKS CELEBRATES NEW BASKETBALL COURTS AT FORT #4 PLAYGROUND IN THE BRONX

Capital project renovated courts at popular playground within Washington's Walk, while adding new amenities and accessibility

NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte was joined by Councilmember Pierina Sanchez, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, representatives from Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Bronx Community Board 8, and community members today to celebrate the reconstruction of the basketball courts at Fort #4 Playground at Washington's Walk in the Bronx.

"These visually striking basketball courts give Bronx hoops enthusiasts a refreshed and inviting new place to hone their skills. By upgrading the pavement, coating, and court design, and

adding a water fountain with bottle filler, we've made this playground better than ever," said NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte. "At NYC Parks, we're committed to improving recreational amenities for all New Yorkers, with an emphasis on communities that need it the most."

The project completely reconstructed the site's full basketball court and half court by redoing the pavement and color seal coating, and also installed a drinking fountain and a bottle filler. In addition, a concrete ramp and stairs were reconstructed and new plantings were added. The upgrades provide a safer play surface for court users, improve pedestrian circulation and enhance accessibility.

The $500,000 project was funded by the New York City Council and Mayor's Office.

Fort #4 Playground is located within Washington's Walk, a greenspace along the southern edge of the Jerome Park Reservoir. Historically, this land once held a Revolutionary War fort constructed under the leadership of George Washington and was later occupied by the Jerome Park Racetrack, a former thoroughbred horse racing park that operated from 1866 to 1894. The site was acquired by the City in 1895 and eventually placed under the jurisdiction of Parks.

The basketball court upgrades are the latest improvements made to Washington's Walk. In June 2025, Parks completed a $3.04 million project to fully reconstruct the park's Strong Street Playground.

"This project started with the young people who use this court every day, and I'm proud we were able to bring their vision to life," said City Councilmember Pierina Sanchez. "Washington's Walk Fort #4 is a community park with a long history dating back to the 1700s, and it sits at the tip of Education Mile, across from the Kingsbridge Armory. This $500,000 investment ensures the court is safe and accessible for the youth and neighbors who rely on it-from after school games to time together in the warmer months. I thank the NYC Department of Parks for their partnership in completing this project and look forward to seeing the community continue to make full use of the space."

"The reconstruction of the basketball courts at Fort #4 Playground is a significant investment in the health and wellness of our borough," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "These modernized courts create new opportunities for our youth and families to stay active, build community, and participate in healthy competition. I want to thank NYC Parks, the New York City Council, and the Mayor's Office for their continued investment in our public spaces and for ensuring our Bronx neighborhoods have safe recreational spaces for our residents and families to connect and engage in physical activity."

"A special thank you to NYC Parks and everyone who worked tirelessly to revitalize the basketball courts at Fort #4 Playground in Washington's Walk," said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). "Investing in our parks and park facilities to ensure essential upgrades reaffirms our commitment to investing in our communities and the families who call our city home."

"The Washington's Walk #4 basketball court reconstruction represents a tangible investment in the future of our community," said Bronx Assemblymember George Alvarez. Accessible and safe public spaces are absolutely vital in ensuring that our youth can grow and thrive as much as possible. I am proud to stand alongside our community partners, families, and young athletes as we celebrate this huge milestone. I am grateful for everyone that was involved in making sure this project met completion. May we continue working toward a stronger Bronx for all."