I am writing on behalf of a large number of senior citizens who enjoy the great game of bocce at Juniper Park in Middle Village. This game is good for our health and mind. For many of us, it keeps us literally alive.
We have been playing the game winter and summer with little maintenance on our part due to a poor renovation done to the courts, which was completed in July 2014. The warranty is due to expire soon.
The following is a list of some of the problems
No. 1 There is little or no drainage when it rains. the water stays shallow under the surface.
No. 2 The canopies have panels overlapping downward onto the courts. Consequently when its rains, the dripping causes deep holes on the playing surface. We are aware that to reverse the panels to face outside the courts is a costly proposition. However, there are on the market heavy duty tarps that can be installed at low cost.
At the park last month I noticed many icicles protruding from the panels everywhere. Around this time one of the players got hit by an icicle while removing snow from one of the courts, thankfully without any consequence.
No. 3 The lighting is very poor. The yellow bulbs blend negatively with the dark surface. We are not able to play after dark. Clear bulbs should be used.
We are going to petition, the city, the Parks Department, our elected officials to prompt responsible people to make repairs.
Bocce players of Queens
Middle Village
