Photo Credit: Gerardo Romo / NYC Council Media Unit
Ruppert Park’s long-awaited reconstruction officially broke ground on Monday, and the plans call for some big changes to the space.
The first phase of the work is slated to take one year, according to Speaker Julie Menin’s office. It’ll replace the park’s dated layout, uneven terrain and old play equipment with a passive turf lawn, an updated playground and water play area, a dog run, disability-friendly design and grading, and expanded seating. Part of the park is scheduled to reopen in 2027.
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Phase 2 will begin once Phase 1 is complete, adding a new bathroom and an adult exercise area to the park’s southeast corner. The renovated park is expected to return to full public use by 2029.Menin and Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura broke ground on the project at the park, on Second Avenue between East 90th and 91st Streets, on October 26. The reconstruction is funded by a $13.4 million investment from the City.
“For nearly 50 years, Ruppert Park has been an important gathering place for Yorkville residents and families,” Menin said. “After years of working closely with the Parks Department to secure funding and advance this project, I am proud to break ground today on this long-awaited renovation.”
Congressman Jerrold Nadler said the new design, which includes a navigable, slope and a “360 degree treehouse,” will make the park work for families with strollers and children of all physical abilities.
Community Board 8 Chair Valerie Mason said the board worked to lift up the needs of different groups in the neighborhood, from dogs to seniors, who’ll each have dedicated exercise areas. “Now full speed ahead to the ribbon cutting next year!” she said.
The nonprofit Muslim Volunteers for New York, which has served as the park’s Partnering Steward since 2017, has advocated for its reconstruction since 2015, according to the group’s founding board members, Sahar Husain and Mubeen Siddiqui. They said roughly 2,100 of the group’s volunteers have planted, painted and beautified Ruppert Park over the years.
State Senator Jose Serrano, Assembly Member Keith Powers, Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Council Member Gale Brewer and former Council Member Ben Kallos also joined Monday’s groundbreaking.
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