The Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club, Councilwoman Farah Louis and Community Board 18 District Manager Sue Ann Partnow joined neighbors and friends at the recently renovated Sunners Playground at Avenue H and East 49th Street to spread some holiday cheer at the playground’s first holiday lighting event on Thursday, December 14th.
“We are adopting this park,” Lions President Jean Joseph said to the councilwoman, who is also a member of the Lions. “And for many reasons: 1) ‘We were at the opening with you,’ and 2) ‘This is my neighborhood.’”
Joseph spoke of the importance of community as family, to which everyone agreed, and promised that the Lions would keep an eye on the park and protect it. Many families were there with children to gather in the light of the tree and in the spirit of community.
The Lions donated the tree, decorations and lights, and refreshments were provided by Millennium Development Executive Director Paul Curiale. Louis and her staff added special touches and holiday music, which was accentuated by a live drum performance by Betty Clacken.
“So this, my friends, is not just about decorations and the lights; it’s about the light that shines within us, the light of generosity that fuels our service, the light of hope that guides us through darkness, the light of love that binds us together,” Joseph said. “Tonight, let us light up this tree to remind us that even the smallest kind of kindness can illuminate the world — so let us roar Lions, with laughter and cheer.”
According to the Parks Department website, reconstruction of the park began in 2018 and was completed in May 2023 with $1,550,000 funding from the NYC Council. After completion, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in July.
At the last Flatlands Civic Club meeting on Nov. 16th, Sabrina Dieujuste, Director of Constituent Services for Councilwoman Farah Louis, announced that due to redistricting, Sunners Playground is no longer under Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse and is now under District 45 Louis.
