Asser Levy Park playground reconstruction begins nearly 2 years after fire
After a fire tore through Asser Levy Park playground two years ago, it was left untouched for nearly two years until now.
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A "work in progress" sign in front of Asser Levy Park playground is the sign that children, parents and members of the Coney Island community have been begging to see for nearly two years.
It means reconstruction of the damaged parts of the playground is finally happening, and kids will be reminded of what they love about the playground once again.
"I just like playing games with my siblings and just climbing around," 10-year-old Joey Brodsky said.
His sister, 11-year-old Allison, describes what playing at the park is like.
"It feels really fun," she said.
"I like how you can meet other people who you never met before and make a lot of friends," said 8-year-old Sammy.
An overnight fire ripped through a section of the playground in September 2024. Immediately after the fire, the New York City Parks Department removed some of the damaged parts. When News 12 went back to the playground over a year after the fire, in December 2025 and April 2026, melted parts of the playground and sharp pieces of metal remained.
Brooklyn Council Member Inna Vernikov, who represents the area, had been pushing for fixes.
"Quite frankly, I didn't understand why it was taking such a long time," the Republican council member said. "What we were told was that this specific playground needed special equipment, and it needs a specific expert to come and fix it."
New parts were spotted in packaging at the construction site.
While many residents say this is a long time coming, others are questioning the timing of this decision and why the construction is taking place as the school year is ending and the summer is beginning.
Users on Facebook are weighing in on the construction.
"I mean finally...But they could've done it before the summer," one person wrote.
"Two full years to do whatever and they chose summer/beach season to do this? Closed down the only shady side of the playground," another wrote.
"We're going to keep holding agencies accountable. I do totally agree with their concerns," Vernikov told News 12, addressing those concerns. "I'm glad that is happening before the summer or not after the summer."
The playground reconstruction is expected to be completed in July.
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