Politics & Government

A 'Playground-in-a-Box' for J.J. Byrne Park

On Friday city officials and neighborhood kids unveiled a new temporary playground space for the park.

J.J. Byrne Park might be , but that doesn’t mean it’s off limits for some good old-fashioned horsing around.

Councilmember Brad Lander, Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Kevin Jefferies and a gaggle of neighborhood kids revealed a brand-new “Playground-in-a-Box” for the Fifth Avenue park on Friday morning.

The “playground” consists of foam blocks that the kids can build and rebuild into an infinite amount of playground constructions. Of course, they seem to have even more fun destroying the structures when they’re through playing on them.

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 Jefferies pointed out that in some ways, the temporary playground is even more ideal than a traditional playground, as it provides the kids opportunities for “social development that built spaces don’t afford.”

The reconstruction of J.J. Byrne Playground, , will also include new drinking fountains, swings, landscaping, and a separate toddler area, marks the third phase of Washington Park’s facelift.

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The project will cost a total of more that $4 million, and its set to be done within a year.


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