Local parks are getting a much-needed million dollar facelift to host summer programs.
The Lopez Playground on Targee Street in Fox Hills is one of 60 parks in the five boroughs that benefited from a $130 million grant for new equipment.
Parks officials say in addition to new equipment, the staff painted play equipment, resurfaced the two basketball courts and installed new park benches this spring.
They also say these efforts are part of a citywide initiative to clean up neglected neighborhood parks.
"These are your parks and we are the stewards of the land - we are here to maintain them for you," said Staten Island Parks Commissioner Lynda Ricciardone.
"What we try to do is find those communities that are growing, that are very dense, but also that we hadn't seen investment really in two decades in those parks - and those are the ones that we're really improving," said City parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver.
Parks officials say the renovations were essential for this season’s summer programs. On Staten Island alone, $8 million was spent.