Digging up the Seward Park Tennis Courts
Photo: Roger Bultot
Just call it the backhoe blues.
The heavy machinery arrived this week inside the Seward Park athletic courts on Essex Street. And the big dig is already underway along the perimeter of the play space.
Rehab began late last month. We confirmed at the time with Seward Park Campus (formerly, Seward Park High School) – stewards of the sports grounds – that the courts are actually undergoing a complete overhaul. On the other side of the project, there will be a different take on the layout, plus the inclusion of astroturf.
According to the 2019 scoping report from the NYC School Construction Authority, the Grain Collective landscape architects designed the 43,200 square-foot oval to accommodate a new soccer field, tennis court, and handball court that will together “serve the school and surrounding community.” There will also be new outdoor fitness features to “create an energetic play area.”
Photo: NYC School Construction Authority
The design does not, however, include the re-installation of the seven basketball hoops nor public bathroom facilities.
Construction could last at least six months.
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