This week marked the beginning of the NYC Parks’ construction of a field of synthetic turf across the basketball courts of Maria Hernandez Park, a project initially scheduled over a year ago.
Newly-erected fencing announced the project’s beginning, which is projected to cost $3.4 million.
According to the original plans, modern fitness equipment will replace the pull-up bars currently in place. Spectator seating and a misting station will also be installed inside a synthetic field.
While the project was scheduled back in 2018, Bushwick Daily found no mention of the project in Brooklyn Community Board 4 monthly meeting minutes until February 2020.
During the meeting, Fatima Elmansy from Council Member Antonio Reynoso’s office said that voting for the project was coming up that March. This year, Reynoso won the Democratic primary for Brooklyn borough president, a role which largely focuses on advising development projects.
The new turf is scheduled to be finished in August 2022.
Beyond hosting an eventual field of turf, the park is also home to one of the city’s mobile vaccination buses, which will be stationed along Knickerbocker Avenue on Thursday and Friday of this week. Vaccinations now come with a $100 bonus. Check out the latest hours here.
Bushwick Daily was unable to reach Reynoso or NYC Parks for comment.
Top image photo credit: Chase Whiteside.
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