After a $5.4 million renovation, the city Parks Department reopened the playground in John J. Carty Park in Bay Ridge.
NYC Parks Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Martin Maher said the new play equipment is for children of all ages and abilities and includes an accessible sensory play feature. The revamp also added spray showers, a fitness area, ping pong tables and more seating, according to a news release.
"We're also thrilled that we could preserve the beloved 'whale' that has called the playground home for decades, which we know was a top priority for the community," Maher said. "This is a great resource for Bay Ridge residents, and we invite everyone to come have a whale of a time at the reconstructed playground.”
The Parks Department installed a sensory play feature that was designed in consultation with an occupational therapist. This feature, which consists of dashed painted lines and colorful shapes spaced throughout the pavement, helps provide visual stimulation, fosters an internal drive and motivation, and promotes brain development.
"One of the best parts of my job is getting to improve the neighborhood that I grew up in and still live in,” said NYC Council Member Justin Brannan. "I don't want Bay Ridge residents to envy what other neighborhoods have – I want other neighborhoods to envy what we have here! This park has only gotten more popular as more families move to Bay Ridge and as kids I grew up with have kids of their own. I'm so happy we could make these great improvements, and I look forward to all the other wonderful projects we have planned for Bay Ridge parks.”
