Locks remain on privately owned Parkchester playgrounds

New Yorkers are craving some exercise and open space after months of COVID-19 quarantining, but privately owned playgrounds and basketball courts in Parkchester have remained closed.

News 12 Staff

Jul 27, 2020, 11:11 PM

Updated 1,607 days ago

Share:

New Yorkers are craving some exercise and open space after months of COVID-19 quarantining, but privately owned playgrounds and basketball courts in Parkchester have remained closed.
Marcus Simpson says he has gotten creative with outdoor workouts but says he doesn’t understand why parks across the city are open but Parkchester’s remain closed. 
"During all these challenging times, we need spaces to be able to relieve that stress and to be able to actually stay physically active,” said Simpson. 
After growing frustration and no answers from management, Chiene Joy Jones tweeted the Parks Department and local representatives asking for answers. 
Sen. Luis Sepulveda responded saying that he spoke to management and that their counsel has instructed them not to open yet, due to the coronavirus. 
News 12 received a statement from Assemblymember Karine Reyes’ office that said they had reached out to the Park Department saying, “We have to find a way of being able to re-imagine what these opportunities look like for the families here in Parkchester."
News 12 spoke with residents who say there has been little communication with management as to when they’ll open.