Handball courts open in Juniper Valley Park

Now park-goers can really have a ball!
On Tuesday July 19, City Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley, Parks Department Borough Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski, community leaders and park users gathered to celebrate the opening of the recently-renovated handball courts at Juniper Valley Park.
At the ribbon-cutting, athletes of all ages tested out the new playing area and enjoyed the afternoon in the park. Between handball and paddleball, these courts are one of the most heavily used features of Juniper Valley Park. People of all ages come to play and now they will be able to play on newly-renovated, top-notch courts.
The refurbished courts were financed using discretionary funds from Crowley. Lewandowski and the Queens Parks Department coordinated the construction, which included blasting and refurbishing the wall as well as completely redoing the concrete ground that make up the courts.
“Thanks to $300,000 allocated by Councilmember Crowley, Parks was able to renovate 10 popular handball and paddleball courts at Juniper Valley Park,” said Lewandowski. “The walls were resurfaced, a new gate and fencing was added to keep the balls within the playing area and the courts also have a new widescreen. Handball and paddleball is enjoyed by park users of all ages and the summer is the perfect time to get out and play.”
“As a councilmember I have always believed it is important to find the funds in the city’s budget for local neighborhood projects,” said Crowley. “Our parks add value to the neighborhood and provide a healthy outlet for community residents of all ages. The handball courts at Juniper Valley Park were in poor condition for a very long time. Now, with this renovation, locals can play on a clean, durable court which they can be proud of.”