​On Tuesday, January 21, 2020, Borough President Oddo joined with NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver, NYC Parks Borough Commissioner Lynda Ricciardone, and City Councilman Joe Borelli to officially break ground for the new sensory playground coming to E.M.T. Christopher J. Prescott Playground. 

This sensory playground has been designed to challenge the body's senses – with equipment including features such as textured surfaces, patterns, shapes, talk tubes, musical play panels, swings, roller tables, balance walkers and climbers – to accommodate the needs of children with Sensory Processing Disorder.

“We want all of our kids to enjoy our parks, which is why I am so grateful to see today’s groundbreaking on an exciting and innovative addition to Staten Island’s Prescott Playground,” said BP Oddo at the groundbreaking. “We take very seriously the privilege to allocate the public’s money, and allocating this $3.9 million is a statement to our values as Staten Islanders.”

The renovation project will also provide new, inclusive play structures, swings, a spray play area with stainless steel instruments, and a small quiet area for reflection. New paths, fences, concrete pavements, and safety surfacing will also be added to the play area, as well as a new planter area, featuring new trees and a planting palette to increase shade in play areas.

The $4 million project was funded by a $3.9 million allocation from Staten Island Borough President James Oddo, and $100,000 from Council Member Joseph Borelli.

The project is expected to be completed in 12-18 months. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of making this project a reality! 

Prescott Playground, located near I.S. 7 in Huguenot, boasts swings, playgrounds for all children, spray showers and plant-beds. The playground, which is jointly operated by Parks and the Board of Education, was acquired for recreational purposes by the City in 1960. It was improved in 1966 with modular play equipment and safety surfacing under a $145,000 capital project that was funded by Council Member Vito Fosella. The playground was renamed in 1997 in honor of Christopher J. Prescott (1972-1994), a Staten Island native who was the first New York City EMS worker to be killed in the line of duty.

Continuing the tradition he began in 2014, Borough President James S. Oddo is pleased to announce that he will host his annual “Direct Connect Sunday” open house on Sunday, January 26th from 1 to 4pm at Tottenville High School, 100 Luten Avenue.

At the event, BP Oddo will interact with constituents one-on-one about the projects his office is tackling. Members of his staff will also be on hand to speak about specific concerns, answer questions from the public, and discuss the issues that the office is working on to improve Staten Island.  The office will also have a detailed display about plans and initiatives rolled out during 2019, as well as the Borough President’s agenda for 2020.

Included in the afternoon will be a Q&A with BP Oddo open to the public that will take place at 2:30pm. In addition, representatives from city agencies, cultural organizations, and other local groups will be in attendance to talk about their services and answer questions.

“When I took office in 2014, we threw the doors of Borough Hall open to welcome the public in,” said BP Oddo. “We continue to build on that concept by bringing our annual open house to new locations and inviting groups from the community to talk about their work. If you have a particular quality-of-life issue or just want to find out more information on the work we’re doing, I encourage you to join us at this informative event.”
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There is no need to RSVP for the event. Staten Islanders can come any time during the 1-4pm time frame and will need to enter the school at the rear of the building, access by Eylandt Street. Those who have questions about Direct Connect Sunday can contact Renee Sarno at (718) 816-2133.