LEGO and artist Hebru Brantley unveil new play park in West Harlem

Revealed on World Play Day, the LEGO Group have worked with artist Hebru Brantley to create a play installation in West Harlem.


The LEGO Group have never been shy about shouting to the world about the importance of play to children. And adults for that matter. And now, on their first World Play Day, celebrating the LEGO Group’s 90th anniversary, they have unveiled a new play park. Created in collaboration with artist Hebru Brantley the installation, in West Harlem, New York, is a vibrant, colourful area called Fly Away Isles.

The idea was sparked by a local non-profit youth organisation called The Brotherhood Sister Sol, or BroSis, and much of the inspiration for the play area came from the children who are part of the group.

“Play is fundamental to the wellbeing and happiness of the whole family – it changes lives and brings us closer together, but we know families today feel they don’t play enough. Children can make the most mundane moments playful and are full of amazing ideas for how to rebuild the world around us for the better. So, it felt only fitting for the brand’s 90th Anniversary that we put kids in the driver seat to help us inspire and bring more play into the world,” said Alero Akuya, VP of Global Brand at the LEGO Group. “We hope the awesome new playscape Hebru and the children have created here in Harlem inspires those of all ages to experience the creativity, imagination and joy of play.”

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Speaking about Fly Away Isles, Hebru commented: “My work often explores stories about the world I grew up in, so meeting the children from BroSis and hearing their vision for the world we live in now had a profound impact on the design of this play space. I wanted to create something that offered the local community a chance to come together regardless of their background or culture, leave the pressures of the busy world we live in behind and explore what the work looks like through the optimistic eyes of children.”

The park is situated in Johnny Hartman Plaza between West 143rd and West 144th Streets, and will be open to the public until 5th November 2022.

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