The newly renovated Vinland Playground in Bay Ridge officially reopened Wednesday following a $3.4 million facelift.
NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue and City Council Member Justin Brannan joined residents on Dec. 4 to celebrate the upgrades, which include a toddler playhouse, two new swing sets, and a colorful spray shower to keep kids cool during the summer months.
The renovation also added new trees, seating, fencing, and a safety surface to make the playground more inviting and accessible. Designed to engage children of all abilities, the playground also painted games and interactive play elements.
“Bay Ridge residents deserve safe, accessible, and beautiful green spaces, and – and that’s what we’re delivering, project after project,” said Donoghue. “With this $3.4 million renovation, we’ve enhanced this playground with engaging and interactive play features, plus new landscaping, seating, and trees that New Yorkers of all ages can enjoy.”
Brannan, whose district includes Bay Ridge, expressed pride in the completion of his childhood playground at Wednesday’s ribbon cutting.
“Growing up, Vinland Playground was like my backyard. Our parks are a top-tier public resource and necessity, which is why I’ve been proud to invest over $90 million into parks in my district since joining the Council,” he said.
The upgrade of Vinland Playground is one of several recent enhancements to Bay Ridge’s Shore Road Park. Earlier this year, the $5.4 million renovation of John J. Carty Playground added inclusive play features designed in consultation with an occupational therapist.
Meanwhile last year, the Frank Decolvenaere Dog Run, a $1 million project honoring a local community member killed while walking his dog in 2020, was completed.
Bay Ridge residents can also anticipate improvements to the Shore Road Promenade and Leif Ericson Park after Community Board 10 approved both projects proposed by the Parks Department on Nov. 13.
The $20.97 million Shore Road project will expand lawn areas between the bike and pedestrian lanes and add lighting at all promenade entrances. Meanwhile, the $9.25 million Leif Ericson Park renovation will focus on upgrading the park’s greenway, addressing concerns about inadequate signage and deteriorating pavement conditions.
