Bensonhurst

Seth Low Playground reopens after 1st phase of renovation

Greenfield secured city funding for $4.5 million project

December 21, 2016 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Half of the playground is open while work continues on the other half. Eagle photo by Paula Katinas
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A Bensonhurst park named after an early 20th century mayor of New York City is revamped for the 21st century thanks to a $4.5 million renovation project that was largely funded through the efforts of a local lawmaker.

Half of Seth Low Playground on Avenue P and West 12th Street reopened on Dec. 15 after the first phase of the renovation project was completed. The park is named in memory of Seth Low (1850-1916), who was born and raised in Brooklyn and served as New York’s mayor from 1901 to 1903.

Councilmember David Greenfield (D-Borough Park-Midwood-Bensonhurst) worked with officials from the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation to secure funding for the project. He hosted the Dec. 15 ceremony to mark the grand reopening.

At the same time, Greenfield also held a ceremony to break ground to mark the start of the second phase of the project. That work is expected to be completed in the fall of 2017.

Seth Low Park, a five-acre spot located across the street from a school that is also named after the former mayor, is a popular spot for Bensonhurst residents to unwind with their families.

“Only the first stage is complete, but significant progress has been made from what the park looked like when I took office, and I’m thrilled that the community can now enjoy a range of impressive new features at Seth Low Playground,” said Greenfield, who was elected in 2010.

The park now boasts new basketball and handball courts, both of which were redesigned from the ground up and built to last for decades, according to Greenfield. New walkways have also been completed, along with new benches and plantings.

When work on Phase Two is finished, Seth Low Playground will have a new soccer field, a new multipurpose sports field, a state-of-the-art fitness area, more benches and fountains and an area designated for outdoor movie screenings, Greenfield said.

Local elected officials lauded the new look of the park.

“Seth Low Park is one of the icons of Southern Brooklyn. We’ve previously fought to get extra benches and improved lighting for the park, and we’re glad the first phase of renovations has improved so much,” said Assemblymember William Colton (D-Gravesend-parts of Bensonhurst).

“Local parks help bring communities together. They give residents, especially children and seniors, a place to congregate, interact with one another and engage in a number of positive and healthy recreational activities. The reopening of the new and improved Seth Low Park is an impressive quality of life victory,” said Councilmember Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island-Gravesend-Bensonhurst). 

“Everyone loves parks,” said state Sen. Simcha Felder (D-Borough Park-Midwood). “I am very happy that thanks to Councilman Greenfield’s efforts, Seth Low is seeing important renovations that will enhance everyone’s enjoyment of the park.” 

Greenfield predicted that once the second phase of work is done, Seth Low Playground, “will be one of the most beautiful and inviting parks in southern Brooklyn.”

Representatives from the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation were on hand for the reopening ceremony. Also in attendance were officials from Community Board 11 (Bensonhurst-Bath Beach) and local educators.

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