Sept. 17, 2021 – Children can slide, swing and play again at the Kensico Dam Plaza on a brand new updated playground! The new, brightly-colored play structures, one of which includes a ramp for wheel chairs, all sits on top of a rubber safety surface and is part of a $1.86 million dollar capital project.
You may also go to YouTube to watch the full briefing.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “The new Kensico Dam Plaza playground is another example of updating the already great facilities Westchester County has to offer. In my administration we get things done and we fix what needs to be fixed. I’m excited to welcome the children back to experience the new play structures and make fond memories with family and friends.”
The new accessible playground replaced previous structures that were over 20 years old and features two new structures, one for children ages 5 through 12 and one for ages 2 through 5. The area also includes a new paved seating area with benches and picnic tables and the entrance features new landscaping with trees, flowering shrubs and perennials. New pavements and an increased number of new and accessible picnic tables have been added to the main picnic area.
Westchester County Legislator Margaret A. Cunzio said, “As Kensico Dam Plaza is the heart of Westchester County, I am very excited to see the completion of this state-of-the-art playground that benefits all the children of Westchester County. A sincere thank you to all of those involved who helped make this project happen, County Executive George Latimer, my colleagues at the Board of Legislators, the Westchester County Departments of Parks, Planning and Public Works and the staff at Kensico.
Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said, “Kensico Dam Plaza is the “Central Park” of Westchester County as the park receives a large number of visitors and keeping the facility up-to-date is important to keeping children safe and happy.”
The capital project also includes a new memorial dedicated to first responders who lost their lives to 9/11 related illnesses, which is located next to The Rising. The landscaped backdrop to the memorial has been fully renovated with new trees, shrubs and perennials.