Eugenio Maria De Hostos Playground

Opened in 1965, Eugenio Maria De Hostos Playground sprawls across 1.10 acres. It’s a jointly operated playground under the watchful eye of Council Member Lincoln Restler. The playground boasts restrooms, a playground area with sprinklers, basketball and handball courts. But Eugenio Maria De Hostos Playground is more than just amenities. It’s a testament to community spirit and the power of partnership. In 2023, the playground’s tennis courts underwent a remarkable transformation. Emirates Airlines, through their “Force for Good” program, partnered with the USTA Foundation and the Kings County Tennis League (KCTL) to completely refurbish the courts. This initiative, a $2.5 million commitment to rejuvenating courts in underserved communities, chose Eugenio Maria De Hostos Playground as its first project. This marked a significant milestone, not only for the playground but also for Emirates, commemorating 20 years of operation in New York City. The revitalized courts became the home of the KCTL, offering free tennis programming to local students and community members. James Blake, former ATP world No. 4 and a native New Yorker, headlined the opening ceremony. He spoke about the transformative power of such initiatives, recalling his own experiences at the New York Junior Tennis Learning organization in Harlem. He emphasized how access to sports can instill valuable life skills and inspire young people to give back to their communities. The project at Eugenio Maria De Hostos Playground became a shining example of how public and private partnerships can revitalize community spaces. It underscored the importance of providing safe, accessible recreational resources, not as luxuries, but as necessities. The playground stands as a testament to Eugenio Maria De Hostos’ legacy and the power of sport to uplift communities.