UNION SQUARE — The playground in Union Square closed Monday for up to three weeks of repairs, officials said.
Evelyn Playground, located on the north end of Union Square Park near the pavilion, will be closed for two to three weeks to replace its protective floor tiles, which have become worn from frequent use, according to the Union Square Partnership.
“This work is necessary because of the heavy use that the wildly popular play space has experienced since it opened in December 2009,” said Suzanne Offen, a spokeswoman for the BID.
“Thanks to generous contributions from local residents and businesses who support the Union Square Partnership’s work, the BID is re-doing…the playground safety surface starting today,” she continued.
The Union Square Partnership donated $150,000 to the Parks Department to replace the cushiony tiles that currently cover the space. The work is expected to be done by May 12, said Jennifer Falk, executive director of the Union Square Partnership.
"[The work] couldn't happen during the winter months, and it can't happen when it's raining out," Falk said. "We know the public is extremely anxious to get outside, but we wanted to do it before it got really busy. This is really the perfect time of year for it to happen."
The 15,000-square-foot playground is made up of three sections and includes play equipment and landscaped gardens, she said.
Some residents said they wished the construction could have happened before the weather warmed up.
"The timing isn't very good," said Union Square resident James Byssandri, who had planned to visit the playground with his daughter on Monday afternoon.
"They should've done the work during the winter," he continued. "Last weekend the playground was crazy, since the weather's been so nice. It's not very convenient."
