#NYC playgrounds to reopen June 22 as city enters Phase 2 of reopening

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The Tompkins Square Park playground closed in April amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Taidgh Barron

New York City playgrounds will finally reopen Monday — as the Big Apple enters Phase 2 of reopening from its coronavirus-induced closure, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday.

“For the playgrounds meant for younger children with the playground equipment that’s specifically meant for kids to get a break to get an exercise…We’re ready to open those up on Monday,” de Blasio said during his daily City Hall press briefing.

Hizzoner cautioned that it’s “really important to use the hand sanitizer, wash hands afterward.”

“It’s another step in the right direction starting on Monday,” said de Blasio after announcing that the city will also allow outdoor dining starting Monday.

The move comes after the mayor faced mounting pressure from city elected officials to open up playgrounds across the five boroughs.

Some Brooklyn pols even took matters into their own hands and recently cut the chains off of closed area playgrounds so children can play.

Restaurants and bars can open for outdoor dining under Phase 2, as well as office spaces, real estate services, in-store retail, barbershops and hair salons, car dealerships and houses of worship — all at limited capacity.