Mayor Adams Unveils $11 Million Harlem Field of Dreams Project to Engage Youth and Enhance Safety

Mayor Eric Adams announced the launch of the Harlem Field of Dreams Project, an initiative aimed at youth engagement and public safety, during a ceremony at the 369th Regiment Armory in Harlem on December 2, 2025. This $11 million investment transforms a previously neglected field into a vibrant athletic facility offering a safe space for approximately 800 children to play and learn various sports, such as baseball, football, soccer, and lacrosse.

The project aims to keep children engaged and connected within the community. One key feature highlighted by the mayor was the inclusion of free youth programs, including Saturday Night Lights, which provides safe spaces for young people to learn, develop relationships with police, and engage in recreational activities every Saturday night across New York City (Source: https://youtu.be/47GNAorHcSA&t=551). Additionally, the New York City Soccer Initiative will foster active communities and connect young people of color with mentorship opportunities (Source: https://youtu.be/47GNAorHcSA&t=551).

Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of these programs not only for engagement but for reducing crime, stating that positive programming can help “weed out the negative elements” in the community (Source: https://youtu.be/47GNAorHcSA&t=801). He also shared the significance of the project in honoring Brigadier General Charles Young, a historic figure whose legacy will inspire youth for generations to come.

Supporters of the project include local community organizations, law enforcement, and private donors, which have collectively contributed to its realization. The mayor’s office indicated that the initiative reflects a collaborative effort to invest in the futures of Harlem’s young residents (Source: https://youtu.be/47GNAorHcSA&t=721).

The Harlem Field of Dreams Project, by offering a range of sports and mentorship programs, aims to instill discipline, teamwork, and personal development among its participants, fostering a positive environment for the youth of Harlem (Source: https://youtu.be/47GNAorHcSA&t=1270).