$10 million Tompkins Square Park makeover clears first hurdle over 2,600-signature petition

The parks committee of the East Village community board has endorsed a sweeping renovation plan for Tompkins Square Park, backing nearly $10 million in funding from the mayor and governor to rebuild the basketball courts, children's wading pool and a beloved 1990s-era outdoor fitness area. Construction is expected to last 18 months. The committee rejected the option of leaving the fitness area as is, despite a petition signed by more than 2,600 people urging the city 'not to fix what is not broken.' Longtime personal trainer Danny Kavadlo, NYU urban planning professor Salo Coslovsky and lifelong resident Jahmal Kirwan spoke in favor of preserving the current park layout. The resolution now moves to the full community board. Preservationists say they will push for less disruptive repairs and improved accessibility instead of a full rebuild. The piece, by Gothamist reporter Willow Higgins, led the site's local section on October 17.