Students from P.S. 176 were thrilled to learn that their Delphin H. Greene Playground in Cambria Heights will undergo a nearly $8 million renovation.
Council Member Nantasha Williams and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announced the extreme makeover , on Oct. 12 and presented the youngsters with two oversized checks to modernize the playground with paving, fencing, a spray shower and new play equipment.
“Investing in community spaces is an investment in the future of our neighborhood,” Williams said. “Delphin H. Greene Playground holds a special place in the hearts of our residents and these renovations will ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy this space for years to come. I am immensely grateful for the partnership with Queens Borough President Richards, whose dedication to our community has helped make this transformation possible.”
Fiscal year 2024 is the Richards administration’s largest single-year total of investment in Queens parks, with $20.2 million being allocated toward improving open space.
“Every single community in this borough deserves high-quality open space for all families to enjoy. However, decades of disinvestment across southeast Queens have made that more of a dream than reality. But at Delphin Greene Playground, we’re finally flipping that script,” said Richards. “I’m proud to have allocated $3.9 million toward this critically important renovation — more than 10% of the $36 million I’ve allocated to parks throughout my administration — and I’m thankful for Council Member Nantasha Williams, Speaker Adrienne Adams, NYC Parks and all our partners for their leadership in helping make this day possible.”
The City Council secured an additional $3.8 million for the project.
“Our community playgrounds are essential public spaces that support our physical and mental health,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Renovating the Delphin H. Greene Playground will ensure generations of Cambria Heights residents and beyond have access to a modernized space to exercise, play with their children, and gather with friends and neighbors. I’m proud to work with Council Member Williams and Borough President Richards to deliver $8 million in city funding for this vital project, and I look forward to seeing its impact for years to come.”
The playground, located adjacent to P.S. 176 on 237th Street between 120th Avenue and 121st Avenue, was named for former NYPD Detective Delphin H. Greene who was a longtime community activist before his death in 1992. The renovation project will include adult fitness equipment and a passive seating area. The enhancements will not only promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles but also provide a safe and inviting environments for families to come together, fostering a sense of community pride and ownership, according to Williams.
“We thank Borough President Richards, Speaker Adams, and Council Member Williams for their leadership in advocating and investing in our community’s green spaces,” Borough Commissioner for Queens Parks Jackie Langsam said. “Without their support, projects such as this would not be realized.”
