LES Parks Update: Henry M. Jackson Opens, Sol Lain Playground Still Months Away
Out on the “bulge” of the Lower East Side, two parks within spitting distance of one another are currently undergoing multimillion-dollar upgrades. The Henry M. Jackson and Sol Lain Playgrounds closed back in August 2016 when the official ground-break commenced in front of the media camera. Both reconstruction projects – roughly on the same trajectory – are reportedly the first in Manhattan under the city’s $130 million Community Parks Initiative that aims to upgrade pocket parks in low-income neighborhoods.
Henry M. Jackson Playground just reopened over July 4 weekend with three new basketball courts of varying sizes, resurfaced handball courts, and a zone that allows for volleyball court and mini-running track. The more official debut is actually this Wednesday with a media-friendly ribbon cutting ceremony.
Sol Lain Playground
The $3.1 million reconstruction of Sol Lain Playground, meanwhile, won’t wrap for another few months (likely October 2017). New infrastructure planned here includes updated play equipment, spray shower, basketball court, multi-purpose play area, benches, fences, drainage, water supply, security lighting, sports lighting, and landscaping. The comfort station is also getting a tune-up.
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