Since 1998, the Parks Department has devoted over $2 million for renovations and improvements to Marcus Garvey Park, including renovation of the park's recreation center roof, restoration of the park's paths and stairways, significant new landscaping, and rehabilitation of the park's baseball diamond. The City Parks Foundation has produced dozens of free performing arts programs in the park over the past 10 years and has also helped to support the growth of community groups around the park, including the Marcus Garvey Park Alliance. Alliance members have worked tirelessly to revitalize the park, produce cultural events in the park, attract new cultural events to the park, and advocate for the bandshell's renovation.

Mayor Bloomberg says in a prepared statement that "the revitalization of Marcus Garvey Park has played a big part in the community's renewal, another example of how improving public spaces raises the quality of life for the neighboring communities, and the entire City."

Commissioner Benepe says that the bandshell will be completely refurbished with a new amphitheater. In 1970, Richard Rodgers, provided $150,000 for building a bandshell at what was then Mt. Morris Park and renamed Marcus Garvey Park in 1973. The new gift of $1 million by the Rodgers Family Foundation to renovate the facility will be acknowledged by renaming it "the Richard Rodgers Bandshell" upon the project's completion.