A grassroots playground at the corner of Oxford and Lafayette avenues is in line to get a significant makeover. For almost two decades, this lot has served as a makeshift paved playground, thanks to the efforts of neighbors in the Oxford Square Block Club.
Now, all of the commitment and hard work is about to pay off with the help of an investment of $900,000. This funding will see the lot transitioned into a thriving neighborhood asset with an accessible playground, picnic areas, shade structures, plenty of seating, and other amenities.
People Inc., Mayor Sean Ryan, and members of the Oxford Square Block Club recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the accessible outdoor gathering and recreation space.
It just goes to show that with enough patience and determination, anything can happen.
“For nearly two decades, Oxford Square neighbors have poured their time, energy, and creativity into making this lot a gathering place for their community,” said Mayor Ryan, who secured the bulk of the funding back when he was a state senator. “It’s exciting to see construction getting under way.”
“What we are celebrating is much more than the renovation of a small corner lot,” said Anne McCaffrey, president and CEO of People Inc. “The word ‘community’ in its name matters. The vision began with the resourceful people of this neighborhood, and their ideas and persistence helped shape a welcoming, accessible place where neighbors of all ages can gather, connect and enjoy the outdoors together.”
The location of the lot sits right next to People Inc.’s Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments at 637 Linwood Avenue. That means a new accessible playground for neighborhood kids, and shaded seating for older residents… all on the same corner.
The bulk of the money comes from a Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) grant, through its Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology Program, which Ryan secured as a state senator. The People Inc. Foundation chipped in another $75,000. People Inc. has coordinated the planning and work in partnership with the block club. MNLA handled the landscape design, and Pike Construction Services is building it.
Construction is expected to wrap up in spring of 2027.