The first phase of construction began in early 2010, but the main field renovation hit a snag when the Parks Department failed to find a contractor for the work in December 2010. 

The lowest bidder, a contractor that Bronx Parks Commissioner Hector Aponte said never worked with the Parks Department before, was denied. Then the contractor filed an appeal that further delayed the process. Contractors finally started the bulk of construction last summer, though many nearby residents and students at Robert J. Christen School, PS 81 were surprised that much of Vinmont Veterans Park, even areas beyond the baseball field, were fenced off for the construction.

“It took a long time but its finally coming to an end,” NRBL administrator Maureen Kelly. “We’re very happy with it … it looks absolutely beautiful.”

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