Sunset Park Playground Will Open In July After Pressure From Local Leaders

SUNSET PARK, BROOKLYN — A kids playground in Sunset Park undergoing renovation will open in July, the Parks Department said.

That announcement came just days after several local leaders raised a stink over the delayed construction at the playground, which was originally supposed to be finished in April but was pushed back to September.

The Parks Department said Wednesday that now, a small swing set at the playground will open in June, and the entire playground will be open July, earlier than recently expected but still three months later than the target date set when construction began.

SEE ALSO: Sunset Park Playground Renovation Pushed Back To September, Angering Local Officials

"Sunset Park’s families need their children’s playground," City Councilman Carlos Menchaca, whose district includes Sunset Park, said in a statement. "I thank NYC Parks leadership for responding to community calls for an expedited schedule so construction delays don’t mean a second summer of lost access.

"Parks will now provide alternative recreation equipment and programming while the project is completed. I look forward to working with residents, park advocates and Parks to make sure future projects do not experience the delays and breakdown of communication we’ve experienced with this project."

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The Parks Department also announced a host of free activities in the park that will take place while the renovations are being completed.

Via the Parks Department:

Kids in Motion: Staffed play for kids

Beginning May 15th and happening 7 days a week, 10:00 a.m - 7:00 p.m., until playground opens

Playground in a Box (similar to Imagination Playground)

Free drop-in activities including games, arts & crafts, sports, free play

Summer Sports Experience

Happening now until the Playground opens, 7 days a week, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Free sports clinics and tournaments ages 2 and up

Happening in the Recreation Center until July 1st, then moving to the synthetic field

Summer Movies: Movies Under the Stars

May 5th at 8:00 p.m., “Cesar Chavez: An American Hero”

Additional screening events on July 1st and 15th, August 5th and 18th, September 16th, and October 7th (titles TBD)

Free outdoor movie featuring popcorn and glow sticks

We anticipate 300 - 400 people in attendance

Art of Brooklyn Film Festival Community Screening

June 3rd, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Free community screening of shorts by Brooklyn independent filmmakers

Event features a dance party with a DJ, free food, giveaways (including passes to the week-long festival proceeding this event), popcorn and glow sticks

We anticipate 300 - 400 people in attendance

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

May 5th, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

This event celebrates the culture of Mexico and is in partnership with Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, NYPD & FDNY.

Featuring games, giveaways, performances, a rock wall, arts & crafts.

We anticipate over 200 people attending.

Image via NYC Parks