Inwood Playground Reopens After First Renovation In Over 20 Years

INWOOD, NY — A popular Inwood playground and its surrounding area reopened this week after its first renovation in more than 20 years.

The Monsignor Kett Playground reopened with a celebration on Tuesday at 500 W. 204th St., near Nagle Avenue, following a full $9.5 million upgrade as part of the Inwood Rezoning Plan.

"I'm thrilled to unveil the completely renovated Monsignor Kett Playground in Inwood, home to the Dyckman basketball tournament and a beloved gathering place for the community,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, in a news release.

Here are a collection of the upgrades.

• Redone and modernized play areas.
• Equipment for all ages and abilities.
• A small separate area for quieter play as requested by the community.
• The spray shower and handball courts have been upgraded.
• A new space for adult fitness.
• A separate area for calisthenics and group exercise activities.
• Upgraded lighting throughout the playground.
• Increased permeability and native vegetation, creating additional shade and helping with flood-resiliency.

The Monsignor Kett Playground is also home to the famed Dyckman basketball courts, where an annual tournament takes place every summer for 10-straight weeks.

The basketball courts have a new eye-catching colorful cushioned surfacing and permanent high-steel bleachers.

"The Dyckman basketball tournament made this playground their home for decades, and their work is critical to our community," said Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa, in a news release. "Monsignor Kett Playground has a rich history in Inwood. We are happy to reopen this space and give it a new future."