UPDATED
While City Council Member Brad Lander (Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington Borough Park), and other officials kvelled today at the ribbon cutting ceremony for a state-of-the-art playground at a park on the Borough Park/Kensington border, the basketball and handball players on the shrinking side of the park were begging just to have have their cracked and dilapidated courts repaved.
That was the scene this afternoon at Dome Park, Dahill Road between 38th and 39th Street, where the ribbon cutting ceremony took place for the first phase of the $2.75 million renovation of the park. The money includes a $1.8 million allocation through Lander’s office and $950,000 through Borough President Eric Adams’ office.
The bulk of the funding from Lander’s office came after a series of public meetings on the issue, where basketball and handball players lobbied hard for the heavily utilized courts to be fixed and expanded only to see a half-court or fully 25 percent of the court area reduced. Additionally, the hoopsters continue to play on severely cracked blacktop courts – that have been in this condition for a number of years.
“Last year the Parks Department painted the hoops and rims and lines on the court and said they were going to fix the cracks but never did. It’s the same with the handball courts, they painted over the wall but there’s still cracks in it,” said one of the young basketball players, who refused to give his name.
But on the other side of the fence from the courts, the ribbon cutting for Phase I of the project includes more space for for swings and play equipment for children of all ages. Trees and new landscaping, new grass and a seating area provide a gathering space for community events and passive recreation. New pavement, lighting, drinking fountains, drainage, plantings and benches complete the open space.
“Families in Borough Park and Kensington deserve not only a playground but a beautiful playground, with equipment and amenities that allow every member of the family to enjoy hours of recreation there,” said Adams. “I am proud to have worked with Council Member Lander, NYC Parks, and members of the community to create a space that inspire the imaginations of all the children who play there.”
Lander said the Dome Playground reopening makes it a neighborhood treasure for all ages.
“The kids of Kensington and Borough Park needed more room to play, so today we’re cutting the ribbon on a play area that’s doubled in size, and a first phase of a renovation that will make the whole park better for the neighborhood. The second phase of the renovation should start later this year. I’m very thankful to NYC Parks for incorporating the diverse voices of these great neighborhoods throughout the renovation process,” said Lander.
Lander noted he has not forgotten the basketball and handball courts, and they will be renovated in the second phase of fixing the park next year. This includes a new surface for the crowded basketball and handball courts, minus a half court, which will be given up for access to the playground.
Disclosure: This reporter lives in the neighborhood and utilizes both the passive area benches to enjoy the day and the basketball courts for exercise.
