April 24, 2025 - The Upper West Side entrance near West 85th Street is closed until 2026 for the renovation of the former Abraham and Joseph Spector Playground.
The project aims to transform the playground into a play and family gathering space that connects with the natural landscape. The renovation will include new play equipment, benches, pavement, drinking fountains, a lower perimeter fence, and a protected irrigation system.
The restoration acknowledges the site’s historical importance as part of Seneca Village, a pre-Civil War African-American community that once thrived there. Plans include reconfiguring the playground entrance to better support Seneca Village-related gatherings, tours, and programming.
A temporary path nearby offers alternate park entry during construction.
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