Rudin Family (West 96th Street) Playground Reconstruction

The Rudin Family Playground is located between the lanes of the 96th Street Transverse Road in Central Park, with its entrance on Central Park West. Surrounded by mature trees and abundant plantings, it offers a variety of amenities including swings, a sandbox, water spray features, three play structures, a pergola that provides shade, and an entry plaza with game tables and seating.

Built in 1935 as one of nineteen playgrounds constructed under a citywide initiative led by Parks Commissioner Robert Moses and supported by the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA), the playground was designed to provide a safe and engaging recreational space for young children while preserving Central Park’s natural landscape.

After decades of use, the playground was comprehensively rebuilt in 1992 to better meet the evolving needs of the local community. The redesign introduced a wisteria-covered pergola that artfully divided the playground into social and active zones, offering a combination of shaded seating areas and dynamic play spaces for children ages 2 through 12. New features such as water spray elements, climbing structures, and swings were added, enhancing the playground’s appeal as a welcoming, family-friendly environment. This renovation reinforced the playground’s role as a neighborhood gathering spot, emphasizing community connection and accessibility. More recently, in 2021, the wooden components of the pergola were replaced to maintain its structural integrity and visual appeal.

Scope of Work

• Replace all existing play equipment
• Add accessible elements to the existing sandbox
• Install a new user-activated accessible water feature
• Replace the perimeter fence and inner fencing around swing and tire swing areas
• Regrade entrance and interior playground surfaces to create accessible routes
• Replace existing brick paving with hexagonal pavers; reset bluestone at entrance as needed
• Install new accessible drinking fountain