Perfect Days for the Park Ahead

View this email in your browser ([link removed])
[link removed]
* Today 4/14 is the LAST day to cast your vote in Participatory Budgeting—you can vote online ([link removed]) !
* We are co-sponsoring an Eid al-Fitr Celebration along with Speaker Adams at the City Hall Chambers on Thursday 4/18. Doors open at 5pm - RSVP here ([link removed]) .
* Saturday volunteers needed: Help distribute free produce, including fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables to public housing residents at Gowanus Houses, Wyckoff Gardens, and Warren Street Houses. We need volunteers to unload, bag, and distribute produce every other Saturday morning starting May 6th. Sign up here ([link removed]) for a shift. More questions? Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
* CHiPS volunteers needed: We need your help with our CHiPS food distribution on May 3rd at Kensington Plaza – sign up here ([link removed]) .
* We are still unable to offer in-person appointments with extremely limited exceptions. If you need help, call us at (718) 499-1090 or send us an email at [email protected].

District 39 Parks Tour with Commissioner Maher

Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Marty Maher and I recently toured some of the District 39 parks, playgrounds, and open spaces that I’ve allocated funding toward since taking office. Our parks are essential for public safety and stronger communities, which is why I’ve prioritized critical investments toward them to ensure they’re maintained and accessible, with state of the art equipment. While I wish I could immediately transform every single park that needs attention, my team and I, with feedback from our communities and the Parks Department, have thoughtfully selected them according to urgency. Additionally, during the annual budget fight, I work with my colleagues and our Speaker Adrienne Adams to facilitate park improvements and upgrades district-wide. I will always support our parks!

During the tour, I was proud to hear about projects that are nearly completed, like the Prospect Expressway sitting areas on Sherman Street and Ocean Parkway Service Road. I allocated $1 million toward renovations that will include water fountains, benches, landscaping, safety measures, and more.

With millions in funding coming its way, Washington Park, and the classic Old Stone House which sits within it, is expected to see many upgrades in the coming years. This will include accessibility upgrades and installation of an elevator for the Old Stone House. Designs should be completed soon with construction starting in the Fall of 2025 and finishing in the Spring of 2027. Additionally, construction has already started on the dog run within the park with state-of-the-art synthetic turf and drainage. Myself and Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso made an investment of $655K for this much needed dog run. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025! There are also plans to reconstruct the 6 handball courts and provide new benches to the park. Need a pickleball court? Head to Washington Park!

I also received critical updates about projects underway, including at Greenwood Playground, which by spring 2026 will have two new pickleball courts! I also visited Ennis Playground and DiMattina Playground which at the present are in good condition but will need upgrades in the near future.

Council Member Shahana at the Washington Park pickleball court with Commissioner Maher and Kim Maier from the Old Stone House.

Commitments to Prospect Park

I am always honored to highlight the invaluable partnerships that have played a pivotal role in preserving our beloved Prospect Park, which I proudly represent. For nearly 40 years, the Prospect Park Alliance has been instrumental in revitalizing this cherished green space and Brooklyn’s last forest into the vibrant oasis it is today. My team and I work closely with the Alliance to support key projects, including the Lakeshore Restoration. I value the opportunity to help shape the future of Prospect Park, which like many of you, has been a treasure to me since childhood.

The significance of Prospect Park extends far beyond its boundaries, serving as a cornerstone for our entire city. With over 10 million annual visits, it stands as Brooklyn's flagship park, offering solace and recreation to all 2.6 million residents of our borough. A staggering 489,000 Brooklynites reside in the neighborhoods surrounding Prospect Park and it’s our goal to always improve the experience. Here are some specific updates and improvements coming to Prospect Park with the support of my office:
* Esdale Bridge: With $500,000 allocated through Participatory Budgeting, the Prospect Park Alliance will restore the historic Esdale Bridge, connecting the Long Meadow to the Ravine. Design completion is slated for 2024, with construction to follow in 2025.

* Bandshell Lawn: Also through Participatory Budgeting, my office is contributing $250,000 to rehabilitate the Bandshell Lawn.
* Harmony Playground Improvements and Adult Fitness Area: In another example of how great PB can be, $850,000 of my office’s funding is going to enhance Harmony Playground and add an adult fitness area. This includes exercise equipment for older adults and people with disabilities, along with a shade structure over the sandbox. Construction is underway and expected to be completed in 2024!

* Lakeshore Restoration: In FY23, the City allocated $3 million ($2 million from Speaker Adams and the Brooklyn Delegation led by myself and Council Members Hudson and Joseph + $1M from the Mayor) towards the Lakeshore Restoration project. Our funding kickstarted the creation of a master plan and first phase of the restoration, focusing on environmental and accessibility improvements. Construction is currently projected for 2026. The full project costs $17M, and this project continues to be among my priorities as I go into FY25 negotiations.
* Shirley Chisholm Welcome Center: With $6.75 million we helped procure, the Prospect Park Alliance will convert an unused facility at the Ocean Avenue and Parkside Avenue entrance into the Shirley Chisholm Welcome Center. Design completion is anticipated in 2025, with construction set for 2027.
* Mount Prospect Skatepark: What was originally a $300K PB winning project as seed funding for a new skate garden, is now officially a joint investment of $6 million from my office, Council Member Hudson, Speaker Adams, Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso, the Mayor, and The Skatepark Project. While community engagement and feedway are underway, this new skatepark will include seating, realign circulation paths, add security lighting, and improve drainage and water service.

Solar Eclipse in Brooklyn

I was thrilled to join our friends at the Green-Wood Cemetery to watch the solar eclipse. It was magical to witness such a natural phenomenon with my team, many constituents, and neighbors. Thanks to all who distributed solar eclipse glasses and made the viewing safe and possible. Green-Wood is another important open space for our community, which is why I’ve committed funding to their new Education and Welcome Center. Stay tuned for more information.

Council Member Shahana with her team. Council Member Shahana with her colleagues Council Members Alexa and Hudson.

Community Bulletin
* There will be closures on the BQE between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street on 4/13-4/15 for necessary repair work. Please see the DOT website ([link removed]) for full details and detour information.
* Forth on Fourth Avenue (FOFA), the local community group that has been advocating for a safer, cleaner, greener, and more vibrant 4th Ave, wants to know what you think of Fourth Avenue – survey here ([link removed]) .
* South Brooklyn Sanctuary is offering free legal help for TPS applications and Work Authorization permits. Sign up for their resources in Arabic ([link removed]) , French ([link removed]) , and Spanish ([link removed]) .
* Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation (SBIDC) and Skippos Collective are facilitating a Finance “Plan for Growth” course series this Spring - apply here ([link removed]) by 4/22.
* The NYCRuns 2024 Brooklyn Half-Marathon on Sunday 4/28 from McCarren Park to Prospect Park – see here ([link removed]) for more details.

In Solidarity,

Shahana
[link removed] [link removed] [link removed]

Our mailing address is:
New York City Council
456 5th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215-8125
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences ([link removed]) or unsubscribe ([link removed])
[link removed]