Library & Links > Partnership Archive > Catalyst Archive > Historic Harlem Parks
Historic Harlem Parks
In Central Harlem, four historic parks represent a total of 88 acres of fields, playgrounds, recreation centers, rocky outcroppings, and forests. The Historic Harlem Parks Catalyst Project worked to develop and strengthen community involvement and leadership in four Historic Harlem Parks in order to promote partnerships that maximized resources and sustainability.
Some of our achievements include:
- Morningside Playground at 116th Street, completed in July 2008.
This $2 million renovation to the playground at 116th Street in Morningside Park
now provides a universally accessible entrance route and path of travel into and through the playground, and features a cascading spray shower, a challenging climbing wall, and a colored concrete race track.
- Reconstruction of staircases and landscape at West 131st Street, St. Nicholas Park, completed in June 2006. With $1.2 million from Council Member Jackson, Parks restored the grand bluestone entryway, steps, and surrounding landscape at the park. Current projects include the renovation of two performance venues: a $4.4 million reconstruction of the amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park and a $2 million renovation of the bandshell in Jackie Robinson Park.
- Supported a network of organizations involved with the Historic Harlem Parks.
- Promoted park usage and awareness through programming such as Charlie Parker Jazz Festival.
- Encouraged community involvement in the design phase of the Marcus Garvey Band Shell renovation.
- Increased resources to realize the full potential of the Historic Harlem Parks.
To get more information, click on the name of the park you wish to visit:
