NEW ROCHELLE, NY (October 16, 2022) — On Friday October 7, the City of New Rochelle dedicated a new park and playground on Brook Street in memory of Ryan Sinkfield, a vivacious five-year-old community resident who passed away in 2020 after medical complications. See Ryan’s info below.
Ryan Sinkfield Park and Playground, located in the Heritage Homes neighborhood, features a full-sized basketball court, modern benches and play areas for children ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12.
The ceremony was attended by Ryan’s parents Sheniqua Smith and Marc Sinkfield and family and friends, Executive Director Angela Farrish of the Municipal Housing Authority and African American Advisory Committee, Heritage Homes community resident Kwamain Dixon, Trinity School Principal Dr. Hilderbrand and kindergarten teacher Ms. Labrosciano, New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson and Council Member Yadira Ramos-Herbert, City Manager Chuck Strome, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Vin Parise, as well as members of the neighborhood and community.
“Ryan had a heart of gold and his warm spirit could be felt in any room that he entered,” said Shaniqua Smith, speaking on behalf of herself and Marc Sinkfield. “We are grateful that he will be remembered in the community he loved, and that this beautiful playground will be enjoyed by children from all over the City.”
“It is indeed an honor to recognize Mr. Ryan Sinkfield today and name this park for him,” said Angela Farrish. “Today is just the beginning of all the wonderful things that will happen here- the laughter, joy and play- will all be done in his memory.”
Kwamain Dixon said, “Losing Ryan was tough for everyone. What better way for his memory to live on than in a beautiful park and playground. This it what it looks like when community and City work together.”
Parks and Recreation Commissioner Vin Parise said, “We are honored to add Ryan Sinkfield Park & Playground to our Citywide parks system. For years to come, thousands of children will enjoy this brand new facility at Heritage Homes and celebrate Ryan’s legacy.”
Ryan August Sinkfield was born on September 21st, 2014 at the New Rochelle Hospital. Ryan was the son of Sheniqua Smith and Marc Sinkfield. Both parents were also born and raised in New Rochelle, NY, along with a host of families who still reside in the City of New Rochelle. The Sinkfield family has strong family roots in the City of New Rochelle and have been active in the community. Ryan attended the Children’s Center for Learning at 95 Lincoln Avenue in New Rochelle, NY, and graduated to Trinity Elementary School where he completed Kindergarten. Ryan was a great kid who loved to go and have fun at Lincoln Park on days when there was no school. He was an energetic 5-year-old who enjoyed skate boarding, playing ball, baking cakes, visiting family and friends and spending time with his Dad at football games. Ryan also spent time with his dad, Marc, at grow! Lincoln Park Community Garden where he helped his dad plant his garden and harvest the vegetables. Ryan made friends with the other gardeners and would ask lots of questions about what they were planting and why. A curious and intelligent young man, Ryan was a joy to be around. He loved to play in Heritage Homes riding his scooter up and down the walkway for hours. Ryan loved his parents very much and loved spending time with us. Ryan Sinkfield was admitted into the hospital on March 9th, 2020 for a medical procedure and due to complications, he passed away on May 22nd, 2020. Ryan was adored by the New Rochelle community and will be missed by all the residents, family and friends of Heritage Homes and the City of New Rochelle.