Tomorrow, Astoria residents will gather at Bohemian Hall to discuss how to spend $30 million for improvements to Astoria Park, and one community group has released an ambitious list.
The Astoria Park Alliance, a group that aims to “ensure the conservation and sustainability of Astoria Park,” wants to see the Parks Department accomplish several goals ranging from the addition of greenery to the installation of universal Wi-Fi.
The group also stated in its list that “ongoing maintenance of any new amenities is crucial for real, lasting improvement of Astoria Park.”
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.
Councilman Costa Constantinides has already 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.
The Parks Department will listen to suggestions from the community on Nov. 16 at Bohemian Hall at 29-19 24th Ave., at 7 p.m. Refreshments, activities for kids and Spanish translator will be available at the meeting.
Here are Astoria Park Alliance’s top recommendations:
1. An investment in sustainable horticulture and beautification: landscaping that addresses erosion; native species, self-sustaining flower beds and plantings; a low-maintenance and drought-resistant tree plan; and sturdy, high-traffic, easily maintained ground cover to green lawns.
2. Refurbished and expanded comfort stations that reflect current, and future usage. Design should include low maintenance materials.
3. Universal Wi-Fi to connect and inform park users.
4. Solar powered LED lights for safety on pathways.
5. Repave all hard surfaces to provide proper drainage and erosion control.
6. Establish safe shore access for park users so that the relationship of Astoria Park to the waterfront is fully utilized and embraced.
7. Remove fences where possible to give a welcoming sense of open space to park users.
8. Temporary storage cubbies for non-valuable items so that track users can exercise free of encumbrance.
9. Rental equipment for bocce, ping pong, and volleyball.
10. An environmentally friendly soccer field within the track with built in protection for runners.
