BY BROOKE SINGER
Queens officials celebrated the reopening of the new and improved Astoria Heights Playground on July 19 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The playground was one of 10 Queens parks renovated through the Community Parks Initiative, the NYC’s Parks’ plan for an equitable park system. It was the first major renovation of the Astoria Heights Playground in more than 20 years.
“Astoria Heights Playground … was long overdue for an update so we’re grateful to be able to give this space the attention it deserves,” said Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver.
City Councilman Costa Constantinides allocated $1.1 million to help the park become on par with other city green spaces. Mayor Bill de Blasio and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz kicked in additional resources to ensure that for future generations, Astoria families could enjoy everything the park has to offer.
Special attention was paid to grouping the many activities in the park; the athletic courts are on the upper side, while the playground is on the lower side. The goal was to increase and upgrade active play capacity for the parks and to enhance the environmental features.
Kids up to ages 15 can enjoy the new play equipment at the Astoria Heights Playground. The amenities include a new athletic field for tennis and volleyball within a walking track. Both of these new additions complement the existing the handball and basketball courts.
