NYRR: NYRR and New Balance to Break Ground on First Track Refurbishment Project Through NYC Parks’ Adopt-A-Park Program

 

Brooklyn’s Star Spangled Playground Track first project under partnership announced during 2025 TCS New York City Marathon

New York, June 24, 2026 – New York Road Runners (NYRR) and New Balance today announced they will break ground on a running track refurbishment at Star Spangled Playground in Brooklyn. The project is in partnership with NYC Parks through its Adopt-a-Park program, which enables businesses and nonprofits to directly invest in the improvement of neighborhood parks across the five boroughs.

“Every runner’s journey starts somewhere, and for many young people across New York City, it starts on a local track,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners. “As the nonprofit that ‘runs’ New York City, we believe every New Yorker should have access to safe, welcoming spaces to move, play, and discover the transformative power of running. Together with New Balance and NYC Parks, we’re proud to invest in community spaces that help inspire the next generation to take that first step and build healthier, more connected communities.”

The groundbreaking marks the first named project under a track refurbishment initiative announced in November 2025 during TCS New York City Marathon race week, as part of the renewal of the long-standing NYRR and New Balance partnership. At that time, the organizations committed to refurbishing a number of local tracks beginning in 2026, with the goal of increasing access to running for students across New York City’s five boroughs.

“Helping people discover running is core to who we are at New Balance,” said Tom Carleo, Vice President of Running, North America at New Balance. “Tracks like Star Spangled Playground are where these future athletes and leaders begin their path towards a lifelong healthy lifestyle. Partnering with NYRR has allowed us to create greater access to safe spaces for young runners across the city and we’re proud that this is the first of a long-term commitment to support the community.”

Star Spangled Playground is the first site as a part of this commitment made by New York Road Runners and New Balance to move into construction. The track refurbishment will completely revamp the site’s running track, replacing it with a Mondo synthetic running surface; add new multi-tiered bleachers and benches for seating; and upgrade the adult fitness equipment and safety surface.

“Star Spangled Playground is an essential place for local students and Clinton Hill community members to play and work out, and this project will deliver a brand-new running track and new adult fitness area, along with new bleachers,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “We’re grateful to New York Road Runners and New Balance for their partnership in transforming this site into a high-quality amenity that will be enjoyed by Brooklynites for many years to come.” 

The refurbishment is expected to be completed late summer / early fall 2026. A ribbon-cutting celebration will be held upon the track’s reopening; details will be announced in advance of that event.

Located in the Clinton Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, Star Spangled Playground is adjacent to several public schools and is heavily used for a variety of sports. In addition to the soon-to-be refurbished running track, the playground also features basketball courts, handball courts and a multi-use artificial turf field used for football and soccer. 

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About New York Road Runners (NYRR)
A New York City-based nonprofit, New York Road Runners’ vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running – serving more than half a million people annually through its races, free community events, youth running initiatives, and school-based programs across the five boroughs. During its nearly 70 years, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, producing more than 60 adult and youth races each year, including the TCS New York City Marathon. Held the first Sunday each November, the TCS New York City Marathon features more than 50,000 runners—from the world’s best professional athletes to a vast range of runners across experience levels, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org. 

About New Balance

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has the following purpose: Independent since 1906, we empower people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. New Balance employs 14,000 associates around the globe, and in 2025 reported worldwide sales of $9.2 billion. New Balance owns five athletic footwear factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance MADE U.S. footwear contains a domestic value of 70% or more and makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s U.S. sales. To learn more about New Balance, please visit newbalance.com; for the latest press information visit newbalance.newsmarket.com.