After a thorough and collaborative design process, the city Department of Parks and Recreation unveiled the final renovation plan for Frank Principe Park in Maspeth.
“Over the years, I have heard complaints from countless residents, frustrated with the conditions of their fields,” said Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley, who is putting $6.8 million toward the renovation. “In 2014, we secured the funding for a total renovation of the fields, and now we have the design that will benefit families right here in the community for generations to come.”
Frank Principe Park (formerly known as Maurice Park) hasn’t had a major renovation since the 1980s. The renovation plans seek to replace the current four natural turf ball fields with one new, synthetic-turf soccer field and bleachers, and two new synthetic-turf, multi-use ballfields with accessible dugouts and amenities.
The plans also call for a new entrance along Maurice Avenue, as well as improved park entry at the existing comfort station, a reconstructed perimeter fence, new electrical conduit and pull boxes to allow for future field lighting and enhanced site amenities such as bleachers, misting stations and water fountains.
Crowley held several visioning sessions in which the community could weigh in on what would best benefit local families, athletes and seniors. After taking all of their suggestions into consideration, the Parks Department produced this final design:
“Frank Principe Park honors a community leader who fought for open space in Maspeth. We’re proud to continue Frank’s legacy by collaborating with the community on this great design for new soccer and softball fields,” said Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski. “I would like to thank Council member Crowley for her tremendous allocation to this project, and we look forward to breaking ground by the end of this year.”
The renovation project is currently in procurement and is expected to break ground this fall. The full renovation is expected to be complete by fall 2018.
