Earth Day in Red Hook Includes Remediated, Renovated, Re-Opened Ball Fields

Yesterday, Mayor Adams, Parks Commissioner Donoghue, elected leaders, environmental justice advocates and members of BPOC partner Red Hook Conservancy celebrated the opening of four new and remediated ball fields in the Red Hook Recreation Area. The updates to the ball fields were funded by an $18.2M grant by the city, and are part of a $130M phased environmental remediation and reconstruction effort in Red Hook Park.  The revamped ball fields boast new turf, new dugouts, rain gardens, accessible ramps and plantings. 

In 2014, an investigation by the EPA and NYC Parks found elevated lead levels in the soil at the ball fields. The fields were constructed on the site of a smelting facility that closed in 1940. The EPA ordered the closure of the ball fields in Spring 2015. For far too long communities across Brooklyn have had to endure exposure to dangerous pollutants that negatively impact our families and children. BPOC will continue working towards the day when all Brooklynites will be able to safely enjoy the mental, physical and environmental benefits of their parks.

One of our BPOC members, Red Hook Conservancy, helps steward and advocate for all the green and open spaces in Red Hook.