Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, Council Member Andrew Cohen Announce $3 Million in Capital Grants for Renovation of Indian Field in Woodlawn

BRONX, NY – Surrounded by local families, community leaders and Little Leaguers, State Senate Coalition Co-Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) and Council Member Andrew Cohen (D-Bronx) announced $3 million in capital grants secured in this year’s state and city budgets for a comprehensive renovation of the baseball fields in the Woodlawn area of the Bronx.

The grant will be used to establish a new baseball field and completely reconstruct an existing turf area that suffered from chronic flooding, resulting in numerous rained out baseball games. Additionally, this flooding rendered portions of the park unusable to the community for periods of time. 

The announcement was held at Indian Field with members of the NYC Parks Department, Woodlean Boys and Girls Club and Woodlawn Taxpayers.

Senate Majority Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) said, “In recent years, Indian Field has had its share of challenges when it comes to giving our children the Little League season they deserve. The community has had to deal with flooded unusable fields for far too long. That’s why I am thrilled to announce that Councilman Cohen and I have secured $3 million in city and state funding to invest in a total renovation of the baseball fields here in Woodlawn. This investment will mean families will finally be able to fully utilize Indian Field for generations to come.”

“In conjunction with Senator Jeff Klein, I am pleased to allocate $3 million in city and state capital funds for the renovation of Indian Field, as well as the construction of a new field in Van Cortlandt Park. These improvements will bring an end to the frequent flooding issues that have caused cancellations to several community baseball games and allow residents to utilize the park to its full capacity.

“As a member of the Parks committee, I know the importance of providing quality amenities in the community. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the City Council to ensure that parks projects will be completed on time and within their budget. This is a restoration project the residents of Woodlawn have needed for quite some time and I happy to help put the project in motion,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen (D-Bronx)

Assemblyman Dinowitz (D-Bronx) said, “Indian Field in Van Cortlandt Park is an important athletic and recreational space for the residents of Woodlawn and other Bronxites. Unfortunately, the ballfields have fallen into disrepair in recent years, leaving Little Leaguers and many other sports teams without a place to play on account of poor drainage. I’d like to thank Senator Klein and Council Member Cohen for providing funding to restore this vitally important field space, and the Parks Department in advance for their efficient work on these much-needed renovations.”

"NYC Parks is appreciative to the elected officials of Woodlawn for allocating the vital resources that will restore the recreational amenities of our neighborhood," said Bronx Borough Commissioner Hector Aponte.   "This worthy investment will provide a much needed restoration of Van Cortlandt Park's Indian Field.  Special thanks to Council Member Cohen, Senator Klein, and Assembly Member Dinowitz for their continued advocacy on behalf of parks and public spaces throughout the community."

Margot Perron of Van Cortlandt Park said, “We are delighted that Council Member Cohen and Senator Klein are listening and acting on the requests of the community that are clearly documented in the new Van Cortlandt Park Master Plan 2034.”

Sean Martin, President of the Woodlean Boys and Girls Club, said, “On behalf of the Woodlean Boys and Girls Club, we are thankful to Senator Klein and Council Member Cohen for securing the funding necessary to totally revamp Indian Field. For too long, Indian Field has suffered from flooding and the care needed to be the community resource it ought to. With the planned capital improvements, Indian Field will be fully restored to the people of our community."