Jackie Robinson Park–one of Harlem's four magnificent historic parks–is getting ready for its $4.4 million makeover.
The ten-block city landmark was recently selected to be a part of the city's Parks Without Borders program, which aims to make eight deserving parks across the city more welcoming and beautiful.
As part of the redesign, the 13-acre public space will lose its chain-link fences, get wider entrances as well as renovated stairways and sidewalks, and also gain trees and benches.
During the lead-up, the city submitted a very thorough design proposal, complete with historic photos of the park, which first opened in 1911 and was originally known as Colonial Park.
According to the Parks Department's project timeline, construction has already started (the official start date was October 2018), and, indeed, wooden guards recently appeared around many of the park's trees. The expected completion date is January 2020.
The unrelated renovation of the exterior of the Jackie Robinson Recreation Center, already underway, will finish around the same time.
The park's facilities will remain open during both projects, so the neighborhood can continue to enjoy the many activities that take place in the rec center–and, once summer returns, the Olympic-size pool and nearby bandshell.
