New York City Councilman Kalman Yeger cut the ribbon Tuesday on a major renovation of Kolbert Playground, located at Avenue L and East 17th Street in Midwood. The $4 million project is the first upgrade to the park in more than two decades and includes a playground expansion with a new spray shower, synthetic turf field and walking track, plus adult fitness equipment.

“As a member of Community Board 14 for 18 years until last December, this was one of my favorite public works projects,” said Councilman Yeger. “Kolbert was my childhood park, so it’s all the more moving for me to celebrate its grand re-opening.”

The ribbon-cutting was a longtime coming for former Councilman David G. Greenfield, who provided the funding for the project through the city’s budget during his term in office.

“It’s a great thrill for me to open the newest park in Midwood with Councilman Kalman Yeger,” Greenfield said. “I am proud to have funded the renovation of every single park in our district. I congratulate Councilman Kalman Yeger on working with the Parks Department to get this park open ahead of schedule. This park had not been touched in years. Now, after $4 million in investments, I’m proud that we have doubled the play area and created one of the nicest playgrounds in all of Brooklyn.”

Councilmen Yeger and Greenfield were joined by Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Marty Maher and Brooklyn Capital Director Bennett Baruch, representing Borough President Eric Adams, who contributed $500,000 to the project. NYPD officials were also in attendance, leading a squad of police academy cadets who will soon join in patrolling the 70th Precinct.

Also joining were the Chairman of Community Board 14, Alvin Berk, and District Manager Shawn Campbell, along with several Community Board members. Children from two nearby schools, Kinder Torah Learning Center and Yeshiva Ohr Shraga D’Veretzky, were on hand to cheer for the new equipment.

“Just because we live in a concrete jungle doesn’t mean we can’t get good parks that are safe, clean and beautiful, just like this one,” Councilman Yeger said. “I will be back here often.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)