Some of the new renovations at the Spuyten Duyvil Playground. Image Credit: NYC Parks/Daniel Avila

The upgrades include native plants and accessible water sprays. On August 31, 2020, NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, New York City Council Member Andrew Cohen, New York State Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Bronx Community Board 8 Parks Chair Rosemary Ginty unveiled a $1.2 million upgrade to Spuyten Duyvil Playground in the Spuyten Duyvil neighborhood of the Bronx.

The project included fresh pavement, new ground jets and aboveground water sprays, and updated plumbing and infrastructure. Additionally, the playground’s existing spray showers were replaced with new, accessible spray features and structures for all age groups. Native plants with protective fences have also been added to enhance the greenery at the playground.

The project was funded by a $600,000 allocation from Council Member Cohen, and a $600,000 grant from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.

Parks Borough Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa stated, “Despite the pandemic, we are so excited to have been able to complete this upgrade to the Spuyten Duyvil spray shower. Thanks to an investment from Council Member Cohen and the DASNY, the Spuyten Duyvil community will be able to relax and cool off at the new, beautifully redesigned spray showers for many years to come.”

By: Victoria Agosta (Victoria is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2022.)