By Ivan Pereira
The historic 18th-century feel of Rufus King Park now has the capabilities of a 21st-century hotspot.
The Greater Jamaica Development Project is offering free wireless Internet access to the southern part of the Jamaica park.
The service that went online in May was created to cater to the various businesses and government offices located around the park, such as Queens Family Court and the Social Security office, and tech-savvy shoppers who come to the downtown area, according to Reuel Daniels, Greater Jamaica’s project manager.
“It’s a nice perk for people to come out to the park,” she said.
The free Wi-Fi is available to anyone who visits a specially designated area at the Jamaica Avenue side of the park that contains special café-style tables and chairs. Users who have a laptop or a wireless Internet-capable device can search for the free Wi-Fi, labeled “Rufus King wifi,” log in and get surfing.
Daniels said Greater Jamaica was impressed at how popular Wi-Fi access was at other city parks, including Bryant Park in Manhattan, and wanted to bring it to southeast Queens. She added that the group is planning on placing special café table umbrellas that inform parkgoers about the new service.
Rufus King Park is home to new, state-of-the-art soccer fields and the home and farm of founding father Rufus King. It has historic tours during the summer.
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
