Roller hockey players in Middle Village and Ridgewood can raise their sticks in celebration as two parks in the neighborhoods have been earmarked for much-needed renovations.
The rinks at Juniper Valley Park in Middle Village and Mafera Park on the Glendale/Ridgewood border have been included in a multi-site contract to upgrade hockey rinks throughout Queens.
After years of complaints over the conditions at the two parks’ rinks, Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley pressed the city Parks Department to make renovations at both locations.
The rink at Mafera Park is riddled with graffiti, marred with cracks in the asphalt, and boards have been damaged and repaired time after time. Last year, the door to the rink was ripped off the hinges and thrown into the rink.
Juniper Valley Park’s rink has suffered from the same fate and isn’t pitched correctly, as massive puddles accumulate in the rink after any rain.
The renovation projects will be managed by the Parks Department, and construction is expected to start in the spring of 2018, according to the department.
“Kids, parents, players and more have expressed a great need for these rinks to be fixed up. They are used every day, throughout every season,” Crowley said. “Securing this renovation means that countless people can continue to safely enjoy this space year round. Thank you to the Parks Department for including Juniper and Mafera in this project.”
Crowley allocated $500,000 toward the renovations, while the Parks Department provided an additional $500,000.
The roller hockey rink in Mafera Park was added in 1995, and is National Hockey League (NHL) regulation size, making it an ideal place for players of any skill level to play. It was once home to a host of hockey leagues, including the 104th Precinct Roller Hockey League.
