New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino held a virtual town hall July 12 related to the Bowne Park reconstruction project.
In addition to Paladino, members of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, Parks Commissioner Michael Dockett and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards also took part in the town hall.
Dockett provided updates on multiple projects in the works at Bowne Park. Additionally, he held a question-and-answer session between the Parks Department and constituents. He said that the projects have been progressing well after work resumed following the COVID-19 pandemic halting its progress.
“I am so grateful to Commissioner Dockett, the Parks Department and Borough President Richards for their support and collaboration in completing the project,” Paladino said. “I am confident that we will continue to work together and finally, after seven and a half years, present a completed park to the community. I have been in meetings with the Parks Department since January, urging them to complete Bowne Park. As a constant advocate of total transparency, I told my constituents that I would facilitate constructive and open dialogue between them and the Parks Department and that is exactly what the point of this town hall was.”
According to Paladino, this town hall stemmed from many residents reaching out to Paladino’s office in regards to the delays of up to seven and a half years. She said the pond and bocce court plaza are expected to be completed by spring 2023.
“Bowne Park is a key part of the Queens parks system and has long been overdue for reconstruction, so I am glad progress is finally being made on that front,” Richards said. “I was happy to co-host Tuesday’s informative town hall meeting and I thank Council member Paladino for organizing it. My family and I look forward to enjoying an improved Bowne Park very soon.”
