By Ivan Pereira
Hoops-loving kids in southeast Queens who want to improve their skills now have a professional level space closer to home.
The city Parks Department officially opened the new basketball courts at Daniel O’Connell Playground at 196th Street and Murdock Avenue last Thursday and, despite the high temperatures, dozens of young athletes came out to test the new terrain.
Aside from new asphalt and freshly painted court lines, the new space features brand-new athletic equipment, including professional-grade Plexiglas backboards.
“It’s a popular area for basketball,” Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski said. “So by redoing the courts it not only gives them a safer court, it also gives them a state-of-the-art field.”
City Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) helped to allocate $950,000 in Council funding for the renovations. The councilman said the court has been a popular venue for players for years and many famous athletes, including former New York Knicks star and Golden State Warriors Coach Mark Jackson.
“This is a very active park because it’s so close for the kids in southeast Queens,” he said.
An annual draw for the playground is the summer Jump and Ball contest hosted by St. Albans native L.L. Cool J and state Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans). The popularity of the courts resulted in large wear and tear, including worn-out asphalt and deteriorating hoops.
Comrie and Parks officials worked together to find ways to not only restore the courts to a better play level, but also a spot where athletes from all over the city could come to shoot hoops.
Aside from the three renovated full courts and one half court, officials also made a multipurpose, concrete space in the middle of the playground. The section can be adapted for different sports, including baseball, soccer and field hockey, according to the councilman.
Those more interested in a strict workout also have a place at the playground.
New pull-up bars, crunch tables and other exercise equipment were also installed as part of the renovation. Community Board 12 Chairwoman Jackie Boyce said she was thrilled that so many play options were available in the park.
“It’s amazing what you can do even in a small community like southeast Queens,” she said.
Lewandowski added that the new field would help to get kids off the street and in a safe environment during the warm months.
“When you have something new like this, it brings together everyone immediately,” she said.
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
