Anne Loftus Playground To Close For A Year For Upgrades

INNWOOD, NY – The Fort Tryon Park's historic Anne Loftus Playground will be closed for a year starting at the end of August for an entire overhaul, officials announced this week.

The playground received $4.2M in capital reconstruction funding to overhaul the water feature and spray shower, provide ADA upgrades, install new play and exercise equipment and add plantings. A new half basketball court and new climbing equipment will also be added to the playground.

One area of the playground that will not be receiving upgrades through this project is the bathrooms, according to the Fort Tryon Park Trust.

The work will begin on Aug. 23.

The Public Design Commission gave the final sign-off on the playground project in May. The funding comes from City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez's discretionary funds.

Area residents expressed some concerns in the comments section of the Fort Tryon Park Trust's Facebook post announcing the funding. Among the concerns was the additional noise the half basketball court may bring, especially during nighttime hours, as the current plan includes installing lighting near the court .