Dyker Heights playground with special namesake celebrates crucial renovations

One year after the Dyker Heights community came together to break ground on much-needed renovations to a very special local playground, it came together to cut a ribbon.

Community members, elected officials and members of the O’Rourke family came together at 81st Street between 11th and 12th Avenues to celebrate the newly finished one million dollar reconstruction of the Patrick O’Rourke Playground, a Dyker Heights park that, in 2003, was renamed for O’Rourke, a local boy who suffered a tragic accident while hospitalized at the age of eight and later died at the age of 28.

“At the age of eight, while hospitalized, Patrick was given incorrect doses of anesthesia that affected his brain and his life for the next 20 years until his death at age 28,” explained Councilmember Vincent Gentile, who allocated the funding to renovate and rededicate the park in O’Rourke’s memory. “As sad as it was, his family turned the tragedy into progress by successfully lobbying and making laws and procedures that today protect thousands of patients in hospitals and medical facilities across the country.”

His legacy, Gentile said, lives on not just in the playground, but in the hearts of those he touched.

“Patrick’s plight touched numerous people and had a global and lasting impact on medical practice,” he said. “Now the Patrick O’Rourke Playground honors his memory and will serve as a vital community green space for years to come.”

The park, which was originally constructed in 1956, had not received any renovations since the 1990s.

“The renovation of the Patrick O’Rourke Playground is meaningful in the Dyker Heights community, and especially to the O’Rourke family,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver. “This renovation brings needed amenities to the neighborhood, offering something for park-goers of all ages. From the spray shower to the swings, surfacing and picnic area, Councilmember Gentile’s generous funding has gone a long way in transforming this playground.”

The brand new playground includes freshly paved surfaces and drainage, swings and updated play equipment, safety surface, and a tot play house. A new water play area and drinking fountains have also been installed, in addition to new picnic tables, benches and a renovated flagpole.

To boot, Parks has added a new baby bear cub statue to keep the playground’s beloved (new and improved) bear statue company.

“NYC Parks is excited to reopen this beautiful space, now a fitting tribute to its very special namesake,” said Silver.

“He is here watching over all of the children that will step foot in this park,” added Gentile, “so may God bless Patrick, and his memory.”