Marine Park scores big with newly renovated courts

Brooklyn’s largest park has had its bocce, basketball, tennis and handball courts fully renovated as of Thursday, May 11, much to the delight of the surrounding community.

The renovations were funded by City Councilmember Alan Maisal and saw support from the Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners (FAICP), Community Board 18 and the Marine Park Alliance. as well as NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver.

“Not only is Marine Park Brooklyn’s largest park, it is home to some of New York City’s most passionate bocce players, and we are confident the new courts will get a lot of love,” said Silver. “Parks with beautiful, well-cared for sports courts and fitness equipment improve public health, enhance neighborhoods, foster community and friendship, and are accessible to all. Thanks to [Councilmember] Maisel and all of our generous partners for making parks a priority.”

The project, funded with 5.45 million dollars, included bocce courts with floodlights, landscaping, shade canopies and seating. The courts — which also offer a wheelchair friendly entrance — as of lately has gained favor in the neighborhood, which houses some of the greatest championship bocce players in the city.

Four full-court basketball courts with new pavement and fitness equipment at the Marine Park Oval were part of the effort, and even an enlarged garden area with artwork and game tables was thrown in to sweeten the deal. As part of the revamp, the four handball courts and 15 tennis courts already in existence were reconstructed with new fences, fountains, better drainage and landscaping.

To boot, officials announced, tennis permit fees have been cut down to $100, instead of the $200 adults were charged before.