Brush Park

New York

Nov 21

Written By Sustainable Digital

Location
Mount Vernon, NY

Status
Designing

Construction Completion
Estimated 2026

Site Area
9 acres

Construction Cost
$10M

People Served
9,809

Design Consultants
Saratoga Associates

Special Features
Upgraded multi-use recreational facilities, splash pad spray play area, grilling area, event pavilion, and shade structures

Brush Park in Mount Vernon has been a vital part of the community, known for its contributions to youth development and sportsmanship. The park has a rich history, with notable figures like New York Yankees hitting coach James Rowson starting their baseball careers there. Mount Vernon itself has a deep baseball heritage, dating back to its first team, the Una Club, formed in 1865. Despite this, the park has fallen into disrepair, with many facilities now barely functional or completely unusable.

Mount Vernon is a diverse city with nearly 75,000 residents, located just north of the Bronx. It faces significant economic challenges that have led to a range of issues, including high rates of chronic disease, frequent hospitalizations, and a significant portion of the population living in poverty. The South Side of Mount Vernon, where Brush Park is located, has been particularly affected, exacerbated by its separation from the rest of the city by the MetroNorth railroad line. The city’s recreational infrastructure reflects these challenges. While Mount Vernon is fortunate to have 30 parks and playgrounds, many are in poor condition and the once-thriving sports and rec programs have dwindled. Mayor Patterson-Howard is committed to restoring both these precious outdoor spaces and to getting residents back outside.

Brush Park, the largest open space on the South Side, is in dire need of enhancement. With four fields in poor condition, a labyrinth of fences, cracked asphalt, and a deteriorating BBQ area, what could be a welcoming anchor is largely dormant despite being adjacent to the Benjamin and Rebecca Turner Schools.

New City Parks (NCP) is collaborating with Mount Vernon’s leadership and stakeholders to revitalize Brush Park. Plans include restoring the baseball fields and adding new amenities such as a multi-purpose field, a new BBQ space, a perimeter walking path, gardens, trees, and an improved playground with a splash pad. The renovation will provide a safe and engaging environment for young people to develop their athletic skills, build friendships, and enjoy the benefits of outdoor activities. But the goal is to create a space that not only revitalizes organized sports programs and also provides a variety of opportunities for the community to play, gather, and relax.