Nosy Neighbor: Isn’t the yard at PS 89 supposed to be open on weekends?

October 8, 2025 Parks, Schools

A reader texted me — can’t find the note now! — asking why the PS 89 playground, which was part of the Schoolyards to Playgrounds program, was no longer open. The sign was there — but the gates were locked.

I went by on three different weekend days and found the gates locked myself.

But the Department of Education says the yard at PS 89 is still part of the program as a PlaNYC site. It has been and will continue to be open from dawn to dusk on weekends. When I asked who was responsible for actually unlocking the gates, they said that they checked with the custodian engineer and confirmed the yard was opened Saturday and Sunday this past weekend.

The Schoolyards to Playgrounds program began with PlaNYC 2007 as a way to expand public use at existing city facilities and improve access to open spaces during non-school hours which includes weekends, holidays and during the summer.

 
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2 Comments

  1. a neighbor
    October 8, 2025 • 6:58 am

    I pass by there often and the school yard was open this past weekend but I don’t recall it being open any other time since maybe last fall. I have always wondered why it wasn’t open more often considering that sign you have pictured. Your question of who is responsible for unlocking the gate is a good question.

    Reply
  2. JC
    October 8, 2025 • 4:21 pm

    This is definitely the first time it’s been open. My daughter has been asking why it’s not open since last spring.

    Reply

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