STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — South Shore City Councilmember Frank Morano has provided an update to the Advance/SILive.com about the delayed completion of PS 8’s playground renovations.
The $3.6 million reconstruction project broke ground in February 2024 and was initially expected to be completed in the fall of that same year.
“This is a project that began before I was in office and I’m catching up with now, but I’m very eager to see it brought to fruition,” Morano said.
Morano explained that the holdup with the project is due to an underground discovery made during the renovations.
“The unmapped infrastructure that was found during excavation needs to be properly replaced in order to not cause water issues in the future for the park and surrounding neighbors,” Morano explained. “The bureaucracy involved in situations like this is… It’s more than most people could fathom and it’s something that I’m working to address, and for future projects, I’d like to avoid lengthy closures like this.”
PS 8’s playground has been under construction for over a year, and it’s not clear when it will be completed. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)Jan Somma-Hammel
While Morano couldn’t confirm a new anticipated completion date, he said he will continue to monitor the situation.
In mid-November, a School Construction Authority spokesperson told the Advance/SILive.com that the agency is continuing to work with its partners in government to secure the necessary approvals for the project.
The project is slated to include new play equipment, pavement, fences, gates, drains and a handrail path between the school and the playground.
The playground “is an important place for recreation for both students at PS 8 and other local children. These continued enhancements to our playgrounds and green spaces provide safe spaces for children to play after school and help bring communities closer together,” former Parks Borough Commissioner Lynda Ricciardone said at the groundbreaking ceremony.
“This park functions as a major hub for the children of P.S. 8 and the many families living nearby. Once completed this fall, the park will be safer and have improved play equipment for everyone utilizing it daily. I am proud to be able to fund this project and see it finally coming to fruition,” added former Councilmember Joe Borelli.