“Ready to play?” That’s the question Naples Playground seems to shout. It has been a community favorite since 1965. Naples Playground sits on Naples Street near P.S. 9. It is also known as P.S. 48 Playground and Concord Playground. The playground offers a large area for children to play.
In 2023, NYC Parks reopened Naples Playground after renovations. The renovations cost $3.115 million. The park had been closed since April 2022. It reopened in April 2023. Commissioner Sue Donoghue and Council Member David Carr celebrated the reopening. Students from P.S. 9 also joined the celebration.
The recent renovations at Naples Playground are impressive. There are new basketball courts. A play area for kids aged 2-12 has been created. The design includes input from P.S. 9 students. They wanted monkey bars and slides. A spray park and swings were also requested. Balance beams and benches completed their vision. The basketball courts now have extra space. There is also a running track and a kickball diamond. The redesign uses color to separate different activities. This creates an engaging space for everyone.
Parks also added climbing domes and spinners. Steppers and modular climbing cubes are new. Ground-level sensory play panels enhance the experience. There is even an ADA accessible swing. New plant beds and permeable pavers promote sustainability. These additions make Naples Playground a modern space.
These are the first renovations since 1997-98. Mayor Giuliani sponsored that renovation. It cost $166,500. The comfort station was refurbished. New asphalt pavement and safety surfacing were installed. These improvements show NYC Parks’ dedication to recreation.
Council Member David Carr has fond memories of Naples Playground. He played here as a child. He is happy that kids can now enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities.
Naples Playground is closely connected to P.S. 9. Much of the playground is a field. Baseball and softball are played here. There are also handball courts. An asphalt yard with basketball rims completes the picture. The playground is painted red, white, and green. This reflects the Italian heritage of the area. Naples Street and nearby streets share this heritage.
The City acquired the property in 1953. An addition was made in 1955. Venice Street and Britton and Oder Avenues were closed off. Half of Stanwich Street became part of the playground. The playground was approved in 1954. It was an unofficial playspace before 1965.
For its first 20 years, it was P.S. 48 Playground. Locals called it Concord Playground. Commissioner Stern changed the name to Naples in 1985. Naples Street is like an asphalt ghost. It was never officially listed on city maps. Naples Street, Rome, Venice, and Columbus may be remnants of a development. They could also be local names for an Italian neighborhood.
Today, Naples Playground is enclosed by fences. There is a sitting area with World’s Fair benches. A ballfield, basketball courts, and play structures are present. Swings and hanging bars offer fun. Belgian Blocks and asphalt provide surfaces for activities.
Naples Playground stands as a testament to community. It is a place where memories are made. It’s a space for fun and recreation for all.