To Combat Flooding, NYC Department of Environmental Protection Joins Trust for Public Land to Open New Green Infrastructure Playground at Corlears Complex

September 26, 2024

New Playground will Absorb More Than 770,000 Gallons of Stormwater Annually, Helping to Reduce Flooding, Backups into Homes and Businesses, and Polluted Overflows into the East River and New York Harbor; Photos Available Here

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today joined with the Trust for Public Land (TPL), Council Member Christopher Marte, staff, students, and others to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated Green Infrastructure playground at the Corlears Complex in the Two Bridges neighborhood of Manhattan. The complex is made up of three schools: Manhattan Charter School 2, Orchard Collegiate Academy (292M), and University Neighborhood Middle School (332M). By replacing the formerly asphalt playground with new green infrastructure, the new schoolyard will absorb more than 770,000 gallons of stormwater annually, helping to combat flooding in the area.

"Climate change is bringing more intense rainstorms that can overwhelm our sewers, and Green Infrastructure playgrounds like the one at the Corlears Complex are crucial to our efforts to reduce flooding around the five boroughs," said New York City Chief Climate Officer and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. "Thank you to our partners at The Trust for Public Land for their hard work, to Council Member Marte for his leadership, and to all the students who helped design this wonderful new playground."

"By connecting residents of an environmental justice community to a park that manages stormwater, the Trust for Public Land and its partners are enhancing open space and community connection while also mitigating flooding," said Mayor's Office of Climate & Environmental Justice Executive Director Elijah Hutchinson. "Because the students are deeply involved in planning, they are learning about climate change hands on-and growing into the climate leaders and stewards of tomorrow."

The new schoolyard features play equipment, a volleyball court, basketball courts, picnic tables, an outdoor classroom, pollinator gardens, and green infrastructure that will capture 770,000 gallons of stormwater annually that will in turn ease pressure on the area's sewer system, reduce flooding, and help improve the health of New York Harbor. The schoolyard will be accessible to both the school and wider community after school hours and on the weekends.

"Community schoolyards in New York City are more than just play spaces-they are vital green infrastructure that strengthens our neighborhoods," said Tamar Renaud, New York State Director for Trust for Public Land. "These schoolyards are essential in our fight against climate change, providing cool, shaded areas that protect our children from extreme heat, while also helping to manage stormwater. By transforming these spaces, we're building a more resilient and sustainable future for our city. TPL is proud to have the support of Nike and our city partners who are also dedicated to increasing access to the outdoors and addressing the impacts of climate change through Community Schoolyards."

"Through our partnership with the Trust for Public Land via our Community Climate Resilience Program, Nike helps create green infrastructure in key cities across the U.S. to promote physical health for children. As we look to help address the physical inactivity crisis, youth need safe and inspiring spaces to be more active. By investing in green spaces for children to play, we're also bolstering the environmental health of the surrounding community," says Rosalyn Menon Kennedy, Nike, Senior Director, Social & Community Impact, Engagement & Partnerships.

"We are delighted to celebrate the opening of this vibrant community schoolyard and help provide a vital green space for school and community members to enjoy," said Dr. Marie-Laure Romney, senior vice president and chief operating officer at NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital. "NewYork-Presbyterian is proud to collaborate with Trust for Public Land to support and improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve."

"Access to school playgrounds is vital to the health and well-being of communities. That's why the SCA has allocated $60 million in our 2025-2029 Capital Plan to provide children with safe areas to engage in physical activity, develop social skills, and foster creativity, all of which contribute to their overall development," said School Construction Authority President and CEO Nina Kubota. "Beyond benefiting students, playgrounds serve as communal hubs and serve as a wise investment in the physical, emotional, and social fabric of the community, creating healthier and more connected surroundings for everyone."

About the NYC Department of Environmental Protection

DEP manages New York City's water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.5 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $29 billion in investments over the next 10 years. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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