$5M In Upgrades Later, A Popular Harlem Playground Reopens

HARLEM, NY — The William McCray Playground on West 138th Street has reopened after a $5,000,000 renovation that brought new play equipment, sports spaces and a plaza honoring the park’s namesake — a decorated Harlem Hellfighter.

The revamped playground, unveiled Friday, includes new climbing structures, a spray shower, swings with an accessible seat, a full basketball court, new seating areas and a synthetic turf field for recreation and events.

The new playground also comes with a chevron-patterned plaza pays tribute to McCray, who served in the famed 369th Infantry Regiment — the Harlem Hellfighters — one of World War I’s most decorated units.

"We're continuing to deliver on our promise to create high-quality, inclusive parks in every neighborhood," NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa said at the ribbon cutting.

"This playground honors the legacy of William McCray, who was a member of the Harlem Hellfighters — the first African American National Guard unit from New York — and provides a beautiful, welcoming place for families to connect, play, and thrive," Rodriguez-Rosa said.

The project was funded by $2.25 million from the Manhattan Borough President, $2.1 million from the Mayor’s Office through CPI, and $650,000 from the City Council.

Five Harlem playgrounds have now been rebuilt through the initiative, with more projects underway or in design.

The playground is on West 138th Street between Fifth Avenue and Malcolm X Boulevard.

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