Gantry Plaza State Park and Hunters Point South Park get the most attention along the Long Island City waterfront, but there are other public spaces in one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in the country that need to keep pace with the explosive growth of the community. Murray Playground on 45th Road will have new improvements on the western side of the park after Councilwoman Julie Won secured $5.3 million in capital funding to reconstruct the park’s synthetic turf athletic field and renovate the dog run.
Renovations will also include increased security lighting throughout the park, the repair of broken tiles for the children’s sprinkler and upkeep like daily cleaning of excess sand on the playground from the sandbox, regular gardening and a cleaning schedule throughout the entire park.
“Since my first day in office, I heard from parents about capital investments needed to renovate Murray Playground, like the sprinkler area that has broken tiles, the worn-out turf that hasn’t been replaced for 15 years, and areas that need more lighting at night,” Won said. “As a mom, I want to make sure that our parks are clean, safe, and fun for our children, so I’m happy to announce that through our advocacy, we secured $5.3 million from the City Council for much-needed improvements to the park. We want to thank Speaker Adrienne Adams and also NYC Parks Queens Commissioner Michael Dockett and his team for making this project possible.”
The eastern section of the park received a $1.275 million makeover in 2014 that included a new performance area, comfort station, and greenspace.
“Our city’s parks and playgrounds serve as public spaces that allow New Yorkers of all ages to exercise, recreate and spend time with neighbors,” Speaker Adrienne Adams said. “They have become even more valuable and important in light of the pandemic, and improving these spaces is critical to New Yorkers’ health and well-being. I’m proud to have prioritized investments to Murray Playground in the city budget that will result in the reconstruction of its synthetic turf and renovations to the dog run.”
Residents will have their say on the renovations during a community input meeting with NYC Parks to be scheduled at a future date.
“As a mother and longtime resident of Long Island City, I couldn’t be more excited for Julie to help us secure $5.3 million for much-needed improvements to Murray Park,” LIC parent Janelle Pacheco Winowich said. “My son and his friends play there every day and it is such an important part of our neighborhood. We appreciate the prompt attention and dedication to making our community safe, clean, and updated for all. The Friends of Murray Park group looks forward to a continued partnership with Council Member Julie Won and our elected officials.”
