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NYC PARKS CUTS THE RIBBON ON RECONSTRUCTED HARRIS PARK TURF FIELD

A $2.6 million capital project fully revamped the artificial turf field at heavily used Bronx park

NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte today joined City Councilmember Eric Dinowitz, Community Board 7 District Manager Karla Cabrera Carrera, local sports leagues, and students from Bronx High School of Science to cut the ribbon on a reconstructed artificial turf field at Harris Park.

“The newly refurbished field will provide an improved recreational experience for the many Bronx schools and sports leagues that regularly use Harris Park,” said NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte. “Investments like these not only improve public safety and promote healthier lifestyles, but they also enhance the overall quality of life. NYC Parks remains committed to providing the best recreational spaces for all New Yorkers to enjoy."

The recently completed capital project fully reconstructed the turf and shock pad for the field. Additional work included a regrading of subgrade stone and a repainting of the field lines.

At 170,899 square feet, the playing surface is one of the largest artificial turf fields in the Bronx. The multipurpose sports field is used for soccer, baseball, softball, and lacrosse and provides extensive permitted hours to a variety of local sports leagues and neighborhood schools.

The $2.6 million project was funded by the New York City Council.

Harris Park was acquired by Parks in 1940. Labor provided by the Federal Work Projects Administration developed the site as an athletic facility that included four baseball diamonds, two softball diamonds, fields for football and other sports, and a sitting area.

The park’s neighbors include Lehman College to the south, the Bronx High School of Science to the north, and the subway yards of the Lexington Avenue Line of the Interborough Rapid Transit, which opened in 1917.

A $555,000 renovation funded by Council Member June Eisland was completed in 1997. Additions to the playground include new asphalt paving, fences, benches, trees, picnic tables, and a water supply system.

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Credit: NYC Parks / Malcolm Pinckney

Press Contact:

Gregg McQueen

pressoffice@parks.nyc.gov

(212) 360-1311