The city’s providing $30 million for a makeover at Astoria Park, and they’re looking for your input on how to make the greenspace even better.
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced in August that Astoria Park would be one of five parks to receive $30 million for capital improvements. The allocation is part of the Anchor Parks initiative, where $150 million will be given to parks for upgrades like new soccer fields, comfort stations, running tracks and hiking trails.
Astoria Park was chosen because of “historical under-investment, high surrounding population and potential for park development,” according to the Mayor’s Office.
On Nov. 16, the Parks Department will come to Bohemian Hall, 29-19 24th Ave., at 7 p.m. to hear suggestions from community members about what improvements should be made to the park. Refreshments, activities for kids and Spanish translator will be available at the meeting.
The city acquired more than 56 acres of land in 1913 to create Astoria Park and its pool is the oldest and largest in New York City. Other amenities include outdoor tennis courts, a track, a bandstand, multiple trails, basketball courts and playgrounds.
Councilman Costa Constantinides has allocated funds to repair certain aspects of the park and add new amenities such as gaming tables and water fountains and the City Parks Foundation recently completed a makeover of the park’s tennis courts.
Plans were also announced in 2013 to convert the abandoned diving pool into a performance space. According to We Heart Astoria, the plan ended up being too expensive so the Parks Department will instead fill the pool and turn it into a public plaza.
So what improvements do you want to see at Astoria Park? Share your thoughts in our comments section or on our Facebook page.
