Rufus King Park upgrades mean lots more fun

Rufus King Park underwent a $1.7 million facelift recently.
Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe cut the ribbon on the improvements last week with Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and Councilmembers Leroy Comrie and James Gennaro.
“The Parks Department is dedicated to providing recreation, from soccer to picnicking to theatre, and Rufus King Park now has it all,” said Benepe. “Thanks to funding from Queens Borough President Marshall, Councilmember Comrie and Councilmember Gennaro, the new concert area and refurbished athletic field are the perfect additions to all the wonderful features of this park, including a museum at the historic King Manor.”
Rufus King Park now features a multi-purpose synthetic turf field, a paved concert area, an accessible drinking fountain and an improved drainage system. At King Manor, the driveway was reconstructed and new trees were planted.
King Manor and the park are designated New York City landmarks.
The King Manor has operated as a museum since 1900 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house and park are open on a regular basis for tours, educational programs and community events. The Village of Jamaica bought for $50,000 the property in 1896, after the last King to occupy the house passed away. The house and the remaining 11 acres were absorbed into City of New York in 1898, and the property came under the jurisdiction of the Parks Department.