Astoria park named for 9/11 hero

A brand new park in memory of a local paramedic who died in the line of duty on 9/11 opened officially on Thursday, October 2 at 76th Street and 21st Avenue, in Astoria.
Carlos Lillo was only 37-years-old.
“[He] was a credit to our community through his hard work as a paramedic long before September 11, 2001,” said Assemblymember Michael Gianaris, who represents the area where the park is located. “It is fitting to recognize the achievements and sacrifice of this local hero by building this park in his name.”
Lillo’s wife, Cecilia, who attended the park’s opening, mentioned an ironic coincidence. She and Carlos once passed by the site where the park is, which back then was a dilapidated graffiti-riddled construction storage area, and Carlos remarked that he would love to see a park there instead.
“It’s an honor and a tribute to my husband and I know he would be very proud,” Cecilia said a few years ago, when the plan for the park was in its initial stages. “He loved the outdoors and he loved children. This means a lot to me and to his family and the generations to come who will use it.”
“The children at P.S. 2 [across the street] and the entire neighborhood will benefit from a public green space that will serve as a tribute to a wonderful man,” said Gianaris at the he said at the opening ceremony.
Gianaris obtained state funding for this small park, which includes flowering trees, shrubs and perennials, four benches and two game tables.
The creation of Carlos Lillo Park, which will be open daily until 9 p.m., is part of Gianaris’ Revitalize Astoria campaign, which has previously included graffiti removal and park beautification as well as the installation of antique street lights on Steinway Street, 30th Avenue and Broadway.