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New Rochelle, Capelli open 2,000-square-foot downtown playground
Summary
City officials and Capelli Development on Nov. 5, 2025 opened a 2,000-square-foot playground in New Rochelle’s Vanguard District, funded through the city’s community benefit program tied to downtown development.
On Nov. 5, 2025, City of New Rochelle officials and developer Capelli Development formally opened a new 2,000-square-foot playground in the downtown Vanguard District, city speakers said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
City and developer officials said the playground was funded through the city’s community benefit program tied to downtown development. John Jones, director of communications for the City of New Rochelle, opened the event, saying the gathering was “to celebrate this wonderful play space already in use by our youngest citizens here in New Rochelle.”
Mayor Yadira Ramos Herbert called the playground “an incredible opportunity and, like, literal green space for kids to play in our downtown,” and thanked the development team and Capelli for providing the resources to build the amenity. Mayor Yadira Ramos Herbert also suggested testing the slide for safety before children use it.
Louis Capelli of Capelli Development said the site had been an open piece of land and described how the city’s community development bonus program allows developers to contribute funds toward public amenities. “We create and help work with the city create open space,” Capelli said, and added he was “very proud to be a part of the revitalization of New Rochelle.”
Commissioner of Development Adam Salgado said the playground will add to a growing list of parks, plazas and plazas intended to activate retail and support local businesses in the Vanguard District. “It’s a symbol of what thoughtful, people centered development can achieve,” Salgado said, noting the role of the community benefit program in delivering the amenity.
City Manager Wilfredo Melendez was recognized for overseeing project delivery, and officials invited local children forward to cut the ribbon and test the equipment.
The event was ceremonial: no formal votes or regulatory actions were announced at the ceremony. Officials framed the playground as a family-oriented public amenity intended to serve downtown residents and visitors.
