By Patrick Donachie
Community members and elected officials in Queens Village celebrated the ground breaking of an $800,000 reconstruction for Pat Williams Playground.
The park, located near the corner of Hempstead Avenue and 224th Street, will benefit from refurbished playground equipment, pavement, safe surfaces, fitness equipment, fences and swings.
“This project gives us the opportunity to redesign the layout of the park, making a more cohesive space that maximizes the area for both play and fitness,” said NYC Parks’ Queens Borough Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski, who was on hand for the event along with Councilman I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) and Community Board 13 District Manager Mark McMillian.
The equipment for both children and adults will be all new, and the new pavement will eliminate tripping hazards, according to the Parks Department. New tree plantings will create shade for playground visitors, and the trees will also separate the playground area from the Cross Island Parkway, which is next to the playground.
The playground is named in honor of community activist Pat Williams, a well-known figure in Queens Village. Miller lauded her legacy during the ground breaking.
“This playground is named after her because of her great efforts, and this reconstruction project will ensure her park continues to give back just as much as she did,” Miller said.
The City Council supplied $730,000 of the funding for the reconstruction, with the mayor’s office offering an additional $80,000. The park is expected to reopen in the spring.
Reach reporter Patrick Donachie by e-mail at pdona
