City of New Rochelle Celebrates Opening of Liliana’s Playground at D’Onofrio Park
The Department of New Rochelle Parks & Recreation has announced the recent opening and public donation of Liliana’s Playground at D’Onofrio Park, located between Morgan St and Emmet Terrace. The newly completed, state-of-the art playground officially opened to the public on July 24 and was fully funded through a private charitable donation from lifelong New Rochelle residents Lou and Sandy Monteleone; and named after their granddaughter, Liliana.
“This is a historical day for our Parks Department,” said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Vin Parise. “For a funding gift to be this substantial and impactful for the children of New Rochelle, is truly remarkable. I cannot thank Lou & Sandy Monteleone enough for their generosity and passion for the youth of our city. For a playground structure to be constructed this impressive, without any city tax dollar being used, is a once in a lifetime opportunity!”
In partnership with Gametime Playground Designers and the Parks & Recreation Department, the Monteleone family was involved in every aspect of the project, from the design of the playground to the selection of and play area amenities.
“What started out as a casual conversation with city officials, has now become a dream come true for my family,” said donor Lou Monteleone. “To see all of the smiling faces on the playground when we stop by D’Onofrio Park, could not make me and my wife more proud. We are ecstatic that our granddaughter’s name will forever be linked with a place that will make children happy for many years to come. I thank Parks Commissioner Vin Parise, Councilman Al Tarantino, Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert, and the entire city administration for all of their cooperation and support throughout the process.
“The generosity of the Monteleone Family, for a project of this magnitude in our city, is so special and will forever be linked to this beloved part of D’Onofrio Park,” said City Councilman Al Tarantino.
“We are so grateful to the Monteleone Family for their love of giving back, their commitment to our City of New Rochelle, and for how the love of their granddaughter, will benefit so many New Rochelle families now and in the future,” said Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert.
Liliana’s Playground at D’Onofrio Park is now the fifth brand-new playground installed in New Rochelle within the last three years, joining new playgrounds at Maplewood Park, Eddie Foy Park, Sycamore Park and Hudson Park.