Closed Gates, Disappointed Faces: The Mystery of Bedford Playground’s Hours

YS Gold

It is a scene that has become all too familiar for parents in South Williamsburg: a sun-drenched afternoon and the heavy iron gates of Bedford Playground firmly padlocked. 

Located at Bedford Avenue and South 9th Street, this area of open space is a vital sanctuary for the neighborhood, yet residents say it has become a source of mounting frustration due to an unpredictable schedule that leaves families locked out during peak hours.

For local parents, a trip to the park has turned into a gamble. While NYC Parks regulations generally dictate that playgrounds remain open from 8:00 AM until dusk, neighbors report that the reality on Bedford Avenue is far different. 

Parents describe walking blocks on beautiful days only to find the gates shut without explanation or signage, leaving children to peer through the fence at empty swings.

Residents wishing to issue a complaint regarding the closure of this park to the city may call 311 using park ID B142.