Owl's Head Park in Bay Ridge re-opened on Tuesday following an $8 million reconstruction of the playground and park.
The renovated playground includes brand new play equipment for children of all ages and upgraded spray showers, and the nearby Billy Lake basketball courts have been rebuilt with new surfacing, drainage, hoops and spectator seating.
"This beautiful riverfront park has something to offer people of all ages, whether you're looking for a relaxing afternoon in nature, a pickup game of basketball with your neighbors, or a safe space for kids to climb and explore," NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura said in a statement. "We know how much this park means to the community, and this renovation means that Bay Ridge residents can continue to enjoy this resource for generations to come."
The upgraded playground includes new play equipment for kids ages 2-12, as well as a specially designed area for quiet play and sensory play. The renovation also includes new drainage, security lighting, trees and landscaping.
New spray showers give kids a place to cool off on hot summer days, and a new adult fitness area adds amenities for parkgoers looking to work up a sweat.
The four basketball courts were also completely rebuilt, adding a new color seal coat, court lines, new backboards with hoops and nets, a new bottle filler drinking fountain, and benches for spectators and players.
The courts honor the memory of William D. Lake (1956-2001), a firefighter and Bay Ridge resident who died in the line of duty in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Following the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah building in Oklahoma City, Firefighter Lake volunteered to help in the recovery effort and received a presidential commendation for his endeavors. During his years as a firefighter, Lake suffered severe injuries on the job including hearing loss from underwater rescues and chemical burns. A day after a Rescue 2 dinner celebrating his 20th anniversary with FDNY, he and six other men from his firehouse perished in the destruction of the Twin Towers.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Shimamura, New York City Council Member Kayla Santosuosso, New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes, and members of the community.
