Renovated Juniper Pk. Site Unveiled
Games are rolling again at the Juniper Valley Park bocce courts following a nearly million-dollar upgrade celebrated with a ceremony last Wednesday, July 23, at the Middle Village greenspace.
Local elected officials, Parks Department representatives and community activists got a chance to look at the new bocce courts, which feature canopies and trees designed to keep players cool. A new seating area and flower plantings were also included.
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley participated in the ceremony; Katz’s predecessor, Helen Marshall, provided $800,000 in city funds for the project, while Crowley kicked in the remaining $50,000.
Assemblywoman Margaret Markey, Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski and Community Board 5 Chairperson Vincent Arcuri also took part in last Wednesday’s event.
“The revitalization of the bocce court complex will greatly enhance the experience of Juniper Valley parkgoers,” Lewandowski said. “Bocce enthusiasts can now enjoy more opportunities to play the game they love while keeping cool in the shade.”
“In Queens, we value our open space and the opportunities that our borough’s parks afford us to deliver amenities like the distinctive games that enable the community residents to maintain their longtime traditions,” Katz added.
“The new bocce courts are a great addition to Juniper Valley Park and the entire Middle Village community,” Crowley said. “This is just the latest in an ongoing commitment to revitalize recreational facilities at Juniper Valley and parks throughout our Council district.”
A popular game in Italy and other Mediterranean nations, bocce-a game similar to curling or shuffleboard-is played on long courts in which players roll or volley stone balls at a smaller target for points. The game can be played individually or in teams.
For years, Juniper Valley Park has been a popular spot for bocce players, but its original two bocce courts suffered wear-and-tear. The project, which broke ground last year, included rehabilitating the two courts while adding a third playing area. The canopies, made of recycled materials, offer shade for players on sunny days.
Including the bocce court project, the Parks Department has made more than $3 million in improvements to Juniper Valley Park since 2010, it was noted. This includes renovations to the Juniper North and Juniper South playgrounds.
During last Wednesday’s opening ceremony, Lewandowski accepted from players a donated set of bocce balls in honor of the late Norman Fisher, a local resident who regularly played bocce at Juniper Valley Park. Reportedly, the balls will be used to help teach the game to younger players.
