I am hoping we can get some help from the Norwood News on the following topic. I have tried to contact the Parks Department regarding the stall of work on the Oval Park. Basically, the southern part of the park was demolished and there has been no sign of reconstruction beginning any time soon. The Parks Department also closed the bathroom/recreation building with no previous notice being given to the users of the park. The garbage is not being picked up on a regular basis. There is no sign of any security at any time at all. There are constant disagreements on the use of the track and field. Everyone wants to have an enjoyable visit at our neighborhood park, but lately it is becoming a stressful experience for the families who frequent the Oval Park.   Perhaps the Norwood News can get some updated information for us in the Norwood area regarding our park’s future. Thank you.

Annette Melendez

The Norwood News forwarded Ms. Melendez’s letter to this Parks Department and spokesperson Jesslyn Moser provided this response:

The $7 million reconstruction of the playground, funded by Croton mitigation funds, is under way. The project includes new play equipment, spray shower, basketball courts and plantings.  Work is ongoing and includes installing new drainage structures, and plumbing for the spray shower at the playground. The project is expected to be complete by January 2011.

The $3.2 million renovation of the recreation building, also funded by Croton mitigation funds, is also under way. The project will improve the building’s exterior with new stone and roof work, as well as upgrade the restroom and lower level of the building with ADA compliance. A ramp leading to the lower level will increase accessibility. Work is ongoing and currently we are installing wooden tree guards outside the building. The project is expected to be completed by June 2011. We expect to install temporary toilets later this spring.

Public signage indicating the building’s closure was posted in the park last October. Garbage is picked up daily, and we will increase monitoring the park’s cleanliness. NYPD ensures that parks are safe. Parks Enforcement Patrol officers provide additional uniformed presence and enforce Parks rules and regulations. Running tracks in parks are open to public use and we rely on users to cooperate in a responsible manner.