Press Releases

Playground within Washington’s Walk received a $3.04 million makeover that added new play equipment and spray showers, seating, and more

Today, NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa was joined by City Councilmember Pierina Ana Sanchez, State Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz, Community Board 8 Parks Chair Debra Travis, and community members to celebrate the reconstruction of Strong Street Playground in the Bronx.

“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,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. “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.”

The project completely reconstructed the playground, providing all new play equipment and spray showers, along with new fencing and sidewalks, benches, tables, and plantings. The park’s mature shade trees were preserved and the play area was redesigned to create an inviting and accessible play experience for all children. The site’s drainage, lighting, and water supply systems were also upgraded.

The $3.04 million project was funded by the New York City Council and Bronx Borough President.

"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,” said City Councilmember Pierina Sanchez.

"I am so excited to help celebrate the reconstruction of the Strong Street Playground. I grew up two blocks from there and spent much time in the park,” said State Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz. “This is a hundred times better than it used to be, and I'm thankful the Parks Department did such a great job."

Strong Street 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.

Strong Street Playground opened in 1934 featuring exercise bars, seesaws, swings, and a sand pit. In 1988 it was reconstructed with new play equipment, fencing, spray shower, and site furnishings. Play equipment and the safety surface were updated again in 1998.

The playground is named for William L. Strong (1827-1900), the last mayor of New York City before the consolidation of the five boroughs.