By Bill Parry
Astoria residents will have a say in how a $30 million investment by the city in Astoria Park will be spent. The city Parks Department will hold a public meeting at Bohemian Hall Wednesday, Nov. 16, to get community input as part of the Anchor Parks initiative announced by Mayor Bill de Blasio in August.
The $30 million investment will fund renovations and upgrades over the next three to four years. Astoria Park was selected based on historical underinvestment, high surrounding population and the potential for park development.
“The funding will bring historic improvements to the playing fields, playgrounds and lawns,” City Councilman Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria) said. “This workshop is an opportunity for residents to share their ideas on how the $30 million allocation can improve the park’s use-of-space to benefit all Astorians. It is also an integral first step in the capital project process—the design and construction phases will not begin until after public input is heard.”
During his State of the District address in February, Constantinides proposed building a $3 million FIFA regulation-sized soccer field in the center of the park’s running track so players would no longer have to travel to Randall’s Island.
“A project like this would be dependent on community support and funding,” Parks Department spokeswoman Meghan Lalor said at the time. The public meeting at Bohemian Hall, located at 29-19 24th Ave., from 7 to 9 p.m. could be the first step towards that funding.
“We encourage our community to bring friends and to spread the word about this workshop,” Constantinides said. “We look forward to hearing everyone’s ideas.”
The meeting will include refreshments, kids’ activities and Spanish translators.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
