NYC Overhauling Eight Parks to Make Them More Accessible for Residents
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In the Parkchester neighborhood of the Bronx, Hugh Grant Circle is largely off-limits, blocked by a gate that is often locked, said Nilka Martell, a community activist who pressed for the Circle to be selected for the city program, called Parks without Borders. But she believes the park has potential to be a neighborhood hub, used for art installations and community programs and as a complement to a farmer’s market held nearby.
“None of these things would be possible with that fence there,” Ms. Martell said. “Lifting the fence creates all these ideas: How can we activate it? How can we use it?”
Carmel Gayle, 75, has seen her children and now grandchildren enjoy Jackie Robinson Park during the 43 years she has lived in the area. The park, she said, was already essential to the neighborhood. “We can’t do without this park,” she said. “Young people, everyone — we need this place.”
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