Galileo Playground in Morris Heights reopens after a $7 million rebuild
The Bronx playground named for the astronomer now has separate areas for toddlers and older kids, a spray shower, a turf gathering space and fully accessible paths.
Photo: NYC Parks / Hannah Mrakovcic · NYC Parks press photo, used with credit
- NYC Parks celebrated the $7 million reconstruction of Galileo Playground in Morris Heights, the Bronx, on Oct. 30.
- The park now has separate play areas for younger and older children, new swings, sensory play equipment, a spray shower, a turf gathering space with seating and security lighting.
- Every play space and pathway is now fully accessible, and a looping path lets kids ride scooters away from the street, according to NYC Parks.
- The project was part of the Community Parks Initiative, which rebuilds parks in underserved neighborhoods, with funding from the Mayor's Office and City Council.
- The playground opened in 1999 and is named for Galileo Galilei because its natural rock formation suits stargazing.
Galileo Playground in Morris Heights has reopened after a $7 million reconstruction, NYC Parks announced Friday, Oct. 30, when Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez and Community Board 5 chair Osiris Guzman marked the reopening with neighbors.
What's new
- Separate play areas for younger and older children, with new play equipment, sensory play features and a new swing set.
- For toddlers: shaded tot swings and a quiet play corner with playhouses.
- A spray shower in the center of the park for summer.
- A turf gathering space with seating for performances and programs.
- A looping path where kids can ride scooters away from the street.
- New shade trees and plantings, a drinking fountain with a bottle filler, and security lighting.
Every play space and pathway is now fully accessible, and the park was rebuilt on a new foundation to make it more durable, according to NYC Parks.
A park built for stargazing
The site was a vacant lot when it was assigned to Parks in 1993, and the playground opened in 1999 after a $1.8 million investment, the Bronx Times reported. It is named for the Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei because its natural rock formation is suited to stargazing. The original design included a solar-themed learning area, and the park has 12 engraved granite plaques on moments from Galileo's career, according to the Bronx Times.
The playground is heavily used by students and families from nearby MS 232: The Academy School and HS 365: The Academy for Language and Technology, Parks said. Guzman said Community Board 5 had long pushed for the upgrade.
Who paid for it
The work was done through the Community Parks Initiative, the city program that rebuilds parks in underserved neighborhoods, with money from the Mayor's Office and the City Council.
- NYC Parks (via Public)NYC Parks Unveils Reimagined Galileo Playground in Morris Heights
- Bronx TimesGalileo Playground in Morris Heights celebrates $7M reconstruction and upgraded amenities
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