NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte was joined by Councilmember Pierina Sanchez (C.D. 14), Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, representatives from the Office of Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Bronx Community Board 8, and community members to celebrate the reconstruction of the basketball courts at Fort #4 Playground at Washington’s Walk in the Kingsbridge Heights section of The Bronx on Monday, April 13.

“These visually striking basketball courts give Bronx hoops enthusiasts a refreshed and inviting new place to hone their skills. By upgrading the pavement, coating, and court design, and adding a water fountain with bottle filler, we’ve made this playground better than ever,” said Aponte. “At NYC Parks, we’re committed to improving recreational amenities for all New Yorkers, with an emphasis on communities that need it the most.”

Parks officials said the project completely reconstructed the site’s full basketball court and half court by redoing the pavement and color seal coating, and also installed a drinking fountain and a bottle filler. In addition, they said a concrete ramp and stairs were reconstructed, and new plantings were added. They added that the upgrades provide a safer play surface for court users, improve pedestrian circulation, and enhance accessibility. The $500,000 project was funded by the New York City Council and Mayor’s Office.

“This project started with the young people who use this court every day, and I’m proud we were able to bring their vision to life,” said Sanchez. “Washington’s Walk Fort #4 is a community park with a long history dating back to the 1700s, and it sits at the tip of Education Mile, across from the Kingsbridge Armory. This $500,000 investment ensures the court is safe and accessible for the youth and neighbors who rely on it—from after school games to time together in the warmer months. I thank the NYC Department of Parks for their partnership in completing this project and look forward to seeing the community continue to make full use of the space.”

Fort #4 Playground is a greenspace located along the southern edge of the Jerome Park Reservoir. Parks officials said that historically, the land once held a Revolutionary War fort constructed under the leadership of former U.S. President George Washington and was later occupied by the Jerome Park Racetrack, a former thoroughbred horse racing park that operated from 1866 to 1894. They said the site was acquired by the City in 1895 and was eventually placed under the jurisdiction of the Parks’ department.

“The reconstruction of the basketball courts at Fort #4 Playground is a significant investment in the health and wellness of our borough,” said Gibson. “These modernized courts create new opportunities for our youth and families to stay active, build community, and participate in healthy competition. I want to thank NYC Parks, the New York City Council, and the Mayor’s Office for their continued investment in our public spaces and for ensuring our Bronx neighborhoods have safe recreational spaces for our residents and families to connect and engage in physical activity.”

The basketball court upgrades are the latest improvements made to Washington’s Walk. In June 2025, NYC Parks completed a $3.04 million project to fully reconstruct the park’s Strong Street Playground.

Espaillat thanked NYC Parks and everyone who he said worked tirelessly to revitalize the basketball courts. “Investing in our parks and park facilities to ensure essential upgrades reaffirms our commitment to investing in our communities and the families who call our city home,” he said.

Meanwhile, Assemblymember George Alvarez (A.D. 78) said the basketball court reconstruction represented a tangible investment in the future of the community. “Accessible and safe public spaces are absolutely vital in ensuring that our youth can grow and thrive as much as possible,” he said. “I am proud to stand alongside our community partners, families, and young athletes as we celebrate this huge milestone. I am grateful for everyone that was involved in making sure this project met completion. May we continue working toward a stronger Bronx for all.”