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Explore Your Park > Williamsbridge Oval > News > Parks Cuts The Ribbon On New Playgrounds And Basketball Courts At Williamsbridge Oval Park

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Van Cortlandt Ave. East, Resevoir Oval E

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Parks Cuts The Ribbon On New Playgrounds And Basketball Courts At Williamsbridge Oval Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
No. 88
http://www.nyc.gov/parks

Commissioner Adrian Benepe today joined State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz, students from the Saint Brendan’s School, members of Bronx Community Board 7, the Friends of Williamsbridge Oval and Norwood residents to cut the ribbon on the $6.1 million renovation of Williamsbridge Oval Park.

“Williamsbridge Oval originally served as a reservoir of drinking water for the Bronx, and as a park it has long been a 'wellspring' of recreational opportunities,” said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “Along with the recently completed running track and synthetic turf field, and the soon-to-be-opened recreation center, these new playgrounds and basketball courts will allow the Norwood community to continue to 'draw from' Williamsbridge Oval for years to come."

The reconstruction includes two new playgrounds: one that is handicapped-accessible and contains play equipment for toddlers and preschoolers, the other with more challenging climbing features for older children. The site is united by a centralized spray plaza that recognizes the site’s history as a reservoir with the embedded names of New York’s aquifers and watersheds. The renovation also includes a new basketball complex, seating, ornamental planting beds, pathways, and restoration of the site’s promenade.

This $6.1 million project is part of a $200 million investment in Bronx Parks paid for with mitigation funds from the construction of the Croton Water Filtration Plant through the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and the Municipal Water Finance Authority.

Croton funding has also allowed us to reconstruct park’s recreation center. The $3.6 million dollar overhaul is almost complete, and includes a new roof, façade, drainage system, upgraded restrooms, and handicapped accessibility. This is in addition to a new synthetic turf field and running track that were completed using Croton funds in 2008. In total, nearly $14 million in Croton mitigation funds have been spent on improvements to Williamsbridge Oval Park.

CONTACT: Vickie Karp/Zachary Feder - (212) 360-1311

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Know Before You Go

There are currently 2 construction projects taking place in this park that are affecting access to its amenities.

The playground is open. This project will reconstruct the existing playground to include a fully accessible toddler/preschool unit, challenging climbers for older children, and a water spray feature as the centerpiece of the playground. A new basketball court complex consisting of both full and half courts will be installed alongside bench seating and bleachers. Enhancements will include a redesigned central spray plaza, an improved variety of seating options, and ornamental planting beds showcasing trees, shrubs, and flowers. ADA accessibility will be provided to the lower level of the recreational building through a ramp system . Please pardon our appearance.
Anticipated Completion: Fall 2011

The recreation center building is closed. This project will install a new HVAC system and a roof and drainage system. In addition, the granite stone façade will be fully rehabilitated and all the existing windows will be replaced with replica ones. The restroom facilities on the first floor will be completely upgraded so that patrons will have exterior access from the field level of the structure. The main entrance steps at field level will be modified to include a new ramp structure for ADA accessibility. Please pardon our appearance.
Anticipated Completion: Summer 2012

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