Roberto Clemente State Park South Playground to Undergo Renovation and Reopen

Roberto Clemente State Park is the only state park in the Bronx.

By Melissa Wickes January 4, 2019

The playground in Roberto Clemente State Park in Morris Heights, Bronx, is slated to undergo a $1.35 million transformation to be complete in May. The revitalization will provide the park, located along the Harlem River, with new playground structures, full replacement of existing infrastructure, adult fitness equipment, preservation of existing trees, and a community garden. The playground is being constructed on the south side of the park.

“Access to playgrounds encourage us to get outside and connect with each other and nature,” said Rose Harvey, state parks commissioner. “We are extremely grateful to our partners in this playground transformation, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Council Member Vanessa Gibson, and Omni New York LLC for helping our families strengthen their love for the outdoors through recreation that builds upon our social bonds.”

The rebuild of the playground supports the community’s desire to provide a safe and welcoming area to Bronx residents. The South Playground was built in 1973 and was devastated during Superstorm Sandy in 2012, according to News 12.

Other improvements that are slated to occur across the park include replacement of the bulkhead, improvements to the main esplanade, renovation of the aquatic center, new athletic fields, addition of a floating dock for waterfront access, revamped basketball courts, and reconstruction of the north shoreline revetment.

Main Image courtesy New York State Parks.