Parks staff: Bleecker (Lincoln) playground phased; major equipment delays push completion to August 2026

Therese Flores, a regional manager for NYC Parks, told Community Board 2 at its January meeting that the Lincoln (Bleecker) Playground renovation is being done in phases: the northern portion is open to the public while the southern portion is under construction, and the project’s completion depends on delivery of play equipment and safety surfacing with long lead times.

"They're waiting for the play equipment and safety surface, which were long, lead time items," Flores said, adding that winter conditions make installation difficult and the estimated completion date remains August 2026.

Flores described the project as a renovation — not a wholesale rebuild of the whole park — that includes new pavement, upgraded safety surfacing and replacement of aging play apparatus; the park bathroom would not be changed. Committee members asked whether seating areas and sandbox sections were part of the current scope and raised recurring garbage and maintenance concerns for the seating area.

Flores also described the department’s safety-driven removal of an aging cargo-net climber at another playground (D'Salvio), explaining that worn components created head-entrapment risks and the piece was removed for safety. She said play equipment roughly a decade old often needs wholesale replacement to meet modern safety standards.

Committee members requested photos and direct staff contact for follow-up; Flores offered to provide an email contact in the meeting chat and to send additional documentation on renovation history and timelines.