NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue and NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt have proudly Inaugurated the newly improved open space at the Sotomayor Houses in the Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx.

Joined by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Community Board 9, and local residents, the officials celebrated the completion of a project designed to enrich the lives of thousands of New Yorkers.

“Our City’s public open spaces are vital for strengthening community connections, improving health, and enhancing public safety, as well as providing a venue for play and relaxation,” stated NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “We are thrilled to unveil these playground enhancements at Sotomayor Houses with our partners at NYCHA. We are sure that this revitalized playground will be enjoyed by NYCHA residents and community members alike for many years to come.”

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The renovations, funded by $1.9 million from the Mayor’s Office, include the installation of new ADA-accessible play equipment, water play features, game tables, a seating area, and a water bottle filler. Additional upgrades such as new landscaping, security lighting, fencing, and improved drainage and water supply systems were also completed.

“Open spaces are a bright spot for community members of all ages,” said NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “From the new playground equipment to the game tables, the Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx has so much to gain from this rejuvenated and versatile outdoor space. We thank our city partners for their dedication to restoring and enhancing this community hub and improving the quality of life for NYCHA residents at Sotomayor Houses.”

Originally opened in January 1955 as Bronxdale Houses, this housing complex was renamed in June 2010 in honor of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who spent her childhood there. The complex is home to approximately 3,500 New Yorkers, making the playground renovations particularly impactful for the local community.

“Today, we gather to celebrate the revitalization of a cherished community space here at Sotomayor Houses,” remarked Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “This project is not just about building playgrounds; it’s about building stronger, healthier communities for the residents of Sotomayor Houses and the surrounding Soundview neighborhood. I want to thank New York City Parks, the New York City Housing Authority, Community Board 9, and all of my colleagues in government who helped to bring this important project to fruition.”

This initiative is part of a larger $23 million interagency effort initiated in 2022 to develop new open spaces and playgrounds at six NYCHA housing developments. Under this partnership, NYC Parks will maintain and operate the newly renovated areas.

The ongoing reconstruction of these six sites aims to enhance existing amenities and provide new recreational opportunities for the NYCHA community and beyond, ensuring accessibility for all New Yorkers, including those who may not live within walking distance of a park.

The completion of the Sotomayor Houses project marks the fifth of six planned improvements under this collaborative initiative, setting a precedent for future community development projects across the city.