An excited crowd assembled last month on a bright, sunny day to join the festivities at Kelly Park, which included a balloon artist, free treats, activity books, and goody bags – but the big draw was the playground.
Encompassing 3.5 acres, the park’s sprawling path system feels like an adventure trail between its spectacular play areas. Enhanced landscaping, with new trees, plantings, benches, and safety lighting have created a beautiful, green oasis in the city. New fencing, sidewalks, accessible drinking fountains, and restrooms round out the space.
The visionary design encourages exploration and engagement with color and music, gripping kids’ imaginations and inspiring shared play.
Step inside and you are greeted by soaring structures casting colorful prisms to the ground. Creative features include ramped play structures with climbers and slides of every variation to satisfy kids seeking adventure at every level. A “bank shot” invites you to learn to play ball while a musical ensemble and electronic play station tempt those with varying interests. A soaring innovative tree house and rock climbing wall beckon. There is even an archeological hill sand box with fossils and two swing sets. The interactive water sprinklers were especially inviting on that unseasonably warm day.
Senator Simcha Felder was joined by NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Marty Maher, and Brooklyn Community Board 15 Chairperson Theresa Scavo to celebrate the official Grand Opening of Felder’s Dream Park after a historic $10 million dollar renovation funded by Senator Felder – the largest grant ever secured by a single elected official.
The Dream Becomes a Reality
“Over a decade ago, I started talking about having a park in Brooklyn where every child, regardless of their different abilities, has a place to play, explore, and grow. I called it a dream and people said it was a fantasy. Today, I am overjoyed to celebrate the opening of Brooklyn’s only Dream Park for All Children!” said Senator Felder.
Funding this visionary and innovative project took years of persistence – and saving. In January 2020, Senator Felder finally delivered the extraordinary ten million dollar grant to NYC Parks, earmarked to create Brooklyn’s first all-inclusive playground at Kelly Park. Located on Avenue S and E. 15th Street, it is in the heart of Felder’s district.
“It is a simha that we can be here to celebrate the largest funding from a single elected official in my career,” quipped Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Martin Maher. “Senator Felder has always supported parks and we are thrilled he has funded this great project. Kelly Park has been in great need for so long and this will transform the space into a super playground that will be enjoyed for generations to come,” Maher said.
Numerous meetings ensued, and with the Commissioner’s guarantee that this would be the pinnacle of parks everywhere, the Senator was at last satisfied with a design that would delight people of all ages and bring added value to the neighborhood.
When the pandemic paused projects and production, more patience was required, but in September 2022, Senator Felder was on site as NYC Parks finally broke ground.
They Call Me “Mr. Parks”
From Felder’s early days in the City Council and throughout 12 years in the NYS Senate, he has continuously spearheaded the transformation of neighborhood space into beautiful park space for seniors and playgrounds for children. “Our children and our seniors are the driving force behind most of my work, and parks are their safe havens,” he said. “They call me ‘Mr. Parks.’”
“I’m so grateful to Senator Felder for funding this important project and for his longstanding support for our public spaces,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Thanks to this transformation, Brooklynites of all ages and abilities can enjoy a beautifully renovated play space with something for everyone.”
Senator Felder delivered moving remarks before the ceremonial ribbon cutting. “This park represents our commitment to every single child. Here, every child can feel seen, valued, and celebrated. Imaginations will soar, friendships will blossom, and laughter will echo. When we cut this ribbon, let it symbolize not only the opening of a park but the opening of our hearts and minds to the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children – a future where every child thrives!”