On July 1, 2025, the Department of Parks and Recreation joined elected officials and community members to celebrate the reopening of the Strong Street playground in the Kingsbridge Heights section of the Bronx.
The project cost $3.04 million and was funded by the City Council and Bronx Borough President. The playground was completely reconstructed with new play equipment and spray showers. New fencing, sidewalks, benches, plantings and tables were also installed, while the park’s existing mature trees were preserved to provide extra shading. The playground’s lighting, drainage, and water supply systems were all upgraded.
The playground is located along the southern edge of the Jerome Park Reservoir. The area was once part of a Revolutionary War fort under George Washington’s leadership, and later became the Jerome Park Racetrack which operated from 1866 to 1894. The City purchased the site in 1895. In 1934, the Strong Street playground opened with exercise bars, swings, a seesaw, and a sand pit. It was reconstructed in 1988 with new play equipment and spray showers. The play equipment and safety surface were last updated in 1998. The playground is named after William L. Strong, the last mayor of New York City before the consolidation of the five boroughs in 1898.
Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa stated, “We’re excited to complete the reconstruction of Strong Street Playground, an important play space for children in the Kingsbridge Heights community. By adding all-new play equipment, spray showers, furnishings, and sidewalks, we’ve made this playground better than ever. At NYC Parks, we’re committed to enhancing our greenspaces and improving recreational amenities for all New Yorkers, with an emphasis on communities that need it the most.”
Council Member Pierina Sanchez stated, “Close your eyes and imagine — it’s the height of the Revolutionary War. General George Washington stands at Fort Four, an outpost built to protect his troops and keep watch over enemy movements. Fast forward to today, Fort Four still keeps us safe — not with cannons, but through community, care, and investment. This $3 million investment in Strong Street Playground for new play equipment, streetscape, and improved infrastructure sends a clear message: our community matters. We deserve nice things. And we will always fight for more.”
By: Veronica Rose (Veronica is the Editor of CityLand and a New York Law School graduate, Class of 2018.)