Friends and family members of the late Yadira Arroyo were joined by community members and elected officials to officially rename Blackrock Playground, in Unionport, in honor of the FDNY Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) on Thursday, May 27.

 

Arroyo, a 14-year FDNY Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), was a dedicated leader and public servant who gave her life for the community.

 

She was tragically killed in the line of duty on March 16, 2017, one block from Blackrock Playground.

NYC Parks First Deputy Commissioner Liam Kavanagh joined FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro, State Assembly Member Karines Reyes, and Community Board 9 District Manager William Rivera, in honoring Arroyo at the official playground renaming ceremony, held under the May sunshine, and during which each addressed those present.

 

“Parks are places we come to exercise, play, and reflect, and Yadira Arroyo will forever be remembered here in the newly renamed FDNY – EMT Yadira Arroyo Playground,” said Kavanagh, during his prepared remarks. “

 

Thanks to overwhelming support from the FDNY, our elected officials, the community board, and the family of Yadira Arroyo, we are proud to rename Blackrock Playground in her honor.”

Meanwhile, Nigro said the park renaming was a fitting tribute to Arroyo, who not only lived in the neighborhood but served as a protector and a highly-trained medical professional for the people of the community.

 

“Thanks to everyone from the Parks Department and Community Board 9, Yadira’s memory and legacy will live on forever in the borough that she bravely served,” he said.

The decision to change the park name was made with strong support from the FDNY, local elected officials, Community Board 9, The Uniformed EMTs, Paramedics and Inspectors-FDNY, and the Hispanic Society Fire Department of the City of New York.

 

The newly renamed FDNY – EMT Yadira Arroyo Playground was designed with input from the students of the nearby P.S. 119 and was most recently renovated in April 2019.

The playground offers a green and leafy place to play, from the color of the play equipment to that of the nearby large shady trees. A central water play area, used on hot days, divides the playground into two sections–one for older children and one for younger kids and tots.