MANHATTAN – Neglected for decades, the Upper East Side’s deteriorating, but bustling Ruppert Park will finally get a much needed renovation, thanks to nearly $9 million dollars in funding from the City Council.
“Ruppert Park has needed an overhaul since I was kid and no one wanted to play there,” Councilman Ben Kallos, representing the Upper East Side, said today.
ALSO READ: Zazzy’s Pizza: When It Opens and What Makes the UES Location Special
Ruppert park— which sits between 90th and 91st Streets along Second Avenue— was built in 1979, but didn’t join the NYC Parks system until 1997.
That year was also the last time the park got any upgrades.
Just $192,000 was spent on benches, sidewalk repairs, planting areas and some playground equipment nearly 25 years ago.
That’s all about to change.
“Ruppert Park is going to get a complete redesign to become a destination park in the neighborhood that everyone will want to go to,” Councilman Kallos announced today, joined by Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Assemblyman Dan Quart, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and City Council District 5 Democratic Nominee Julie Menin.
ALSO READ: The Upper East Side Guide to NYC Restaurant Week 2021
With construction set to begin in 2023, NYC Parks says Ruppert Park’s $8.9 million transformation will bring a “more dynamic, vibrant, and welcoming outdoor space” to Yorkville.
Later this year, a design plan for Ruppert Park will be presented at meetings of Community Board 8 and the Public Design Commission, according to Councilman Kallos.
For updates around the clock, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook
