ICYMI: Sunset Park Playground Finally Opens After Construction Delays

SUNSET PARK, BROOKLYN — Sunset Park's renovated playground finally opened this week, four months after the New York City Parks Department originally said it would.

While the new swing sets, sand boxes and play areas are open for use, there are still a few pieces that have yet to be completed. The park went ahead and opened because it had been delayed for most of the summer.

"While it’s great to see this essential service returning to Sunset Park, we should remember the project is still three months later than originally planned," City Councilman Carlos Menchaca, whose district includes Sunset Park, said on Facebook.

"It was public outcry coordinated with political pressure that reduced the unexpected project delay by half. I thank Friends of Sunset Park, local residents and Community Board 7 for work working side by side with my office as we pushed to get our playground back sooner."

The park was originally supposed to be finished in April. That's when Menchaca's office and Community Board 7 made their displeasure known at the construction delays.

"We have been asking since before this project started — are you going to complete it on time?" CB7 District Manager Jeremy Laufer told Patch in April.

Menchaca used the opportunity to call for more communication, cooperation and transparency between government and the people.

"Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Marty Maher -- to his credit -- listened to us and pushed hard to get this playground finished," Menchaca added on Facebook. "I thank him, for taking my daily calls, visiting our community meetings and understanding how much we need this play space."

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held later this month to officially open the park, Menchaca's office said. In the mean time, take a quick time-lapse tour of the news digs in Menchaca's video below:

Image courtesy Office of Council Member Carlos Menchaca