Big Bush Park (Daniel Avila/NYC Parks)
July 17, 2018 by Nathaly Pesantez
Major renovations to portions of Woodside’s Big Bush Park were unveiled today in a ribbon cutting ceremony with city officials and local representatives.
The Parks Dept. has revamped the park’s north end to make way for children’s activities and passive recreation. Children’s play areas and a spray shower have been installed in this section and new seating has also been added.
Meanwhile, at the southern end, a green, permeable surface area has been added.
via NYC Parks
The Parks Dept. has also added a plaza by 61st Street, which leads directly to the play space for kids ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12. That space includes game tables and a new swing set, along with a central spray shower area.
New fitness equipment for adults, along with a seating area, are also part of the upgrades.
The park has also been outfitted with new accessible ramps, trees and shrubs for shading, and LED luminaries for improved lighting.
The total cost of the renovations, which began last year and were completed in May, is $1.8 million, with Queens Borough President Melinda Katz allocating $1 million for the project and Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer allocating $800,000 for it.
“Designs for this project were in no small part due to input from the engaged community, and serves as a perfect example of how residents can have a significant impact in beautifying our neighborhoods,” Katz said in a statement.
Big Bush Park (Daniel Avila/NYC Parks)
NYC Parks said the neighboring community was “actively involved” in the project, and is now home to handball courts, two baseball fields, basketball courts, a play area, and a comfort station.
“I’m thrilled the $1.8 million renovation brings exciting new amenities for the first time in decades,” Van Bramer said in a statement. “I’m proud that this project that will bring new swings and game tables for kids, drinking fountains for all to stay hydrated, and exercise equipment and smoother running surfaces to stay fit. This park is now something that all of Woodside can be proud of!”
Big Bush Park (Daniel Avila/NYC Parks)
