Updated: Feb. 27, 2024, 8:12 p.m. | Published: Feb. 27, 2024, 6:30 a.m.
By Jillian Delaney | jdelaney@siadvance.com
From left to right, Adrian Smith, NYC Parks, NYC Parks First Deputy Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, Councilman Joe Borelli, NYC Parks Borough Commissioner Lynda Ricciardone, Steve Gonzalez, NYC School Construction Authority Project Support Manager and Anthony Perfetto of Perfetto Enterprises at the groundbreaking of Great Kills Veterans Playground on Feb. 16, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Councilman Joe Borelli)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Councilman Joe Borelli (R-South Shore) is helping to bring new life to PS 8R’s beloved playground.
The reconstruction, expected to wrap up this fall, comes with a $3.6 million price tag. Included in the project is play equipment, pavement and the appropriate painting, fences, gates, drains, and a handrail path between the school and the playground.
Borelli was recently joined by officials from across the city, including city Parks Borough Commissioner Lynda Ricciardone, city Parks First Deputy Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, School Construction Authority (SCA) representative Steve Gonzalez, for a groundbreaking ceremony at Great Kills Veteran Playground.
“We’re thrilled to help break ground on the reconstruction of this playground, which is an important place for recreation for both students at PS 8 and other local children. These continued enhancements to our playgrounds and greenspaces provide safe spaces for children to play after school and help bring communities closer together,” Ricciardone said.
“We’re grateful to Council Member Borelli for his continued support of our parks and playgrounds, and to the School Construction Authority for their partnership on this project,” she added.
The project also includes new safety surfaces within the playground and security lighting.
“This park functions as a major hub for the children of P.S. 8 and the many families living nearby. Once completed this fall, the park will be safer and have improved play equipment for everyone utilizing it daily. I am proud to be able to fund this project and see it finally coming to fruition,” Borelli said, noting the project will be completed by Perfetto Enterprises.