Queens Community Board 5 (CB5), which serves the neighborhoods of Ridgewood, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, Fresh Pond, and Liberty Park, held its monthly meeting and public hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
The meeting addressed several pressing issues raised by residents, including ongoing concerns about Highland Park and Evergreen Park.
Both parks have become focal points of controversy, with residents voicing frustrations about specific activities impacting their quality of life.
Highland Park disc golf course sparks backlash
During the public forum, Highland Park’s disc golf course took center stage, as multiple speakers criticized the activity for disrupting the park’s serene atmosphere. The course, introduced earlier this year, has reportedly caused tensions between disc golfers and other parkgoers.
Tammy Green, a member of the Upper Highland Park Community and one of the course’s initial supporters, expressed her disappointment to the board. She alleged that some disc golfers have harassed park regulars and even made discriminatory remarks.
“We will not tolerate racism from any organization or corporate entity that wants to utilize our public parks,” Green stated.
Steven Laxton, another local resident, echoed her concerns, highlighting conflicts arising from the proximity of the disc golf course to other park users. “Disc golfers treat the area like a dedicated golf course, and anyone in their way becomes an inconvenience. Park-goers just trying to enjoy nature are being harassed and told to move,” Laxton said.
Jasmine Chino, a mother and teacher from the neighborhood, lamented the loss of a peaceful retreat. “Once the disc golf course came, it became uncomfortable to sit there. There’s these flying projectiles around you. Where do you sit? It’s very interfering. People have been asked to move, people have been hit. The community and Highland Park needs this green space,” she said.
In response, CB5 District Manager Gary Giordano noted that while many residents oppose the disc golf course, others have expressed their appreciation for the recreational addition. He revealed that ongoing discussions with the Parks Department include the possibility of reducing the course’s footprint as a compromise.
Evergreen Park faces safety and accessibility challenges
Evergreen Park was also a topic of concern, with residents detailing disruptive behaviors and unsafe conditions caused by a group of volleyball players. Local resident Cynthia Balzaretti-Torres described how the park has been “taken over” by men setting up unauthorized volleyball courts.
“These men completely take over the park so that families who live in the neighborhood cannot use it at all. Nobody can walk or ride bikes at all. They gamble, and they drink large amounts of alcohol during their games, leading them to urinate in the open,” she said.
Balzaretti-Torres also explained how they drill holes in the concrete to set up volleyball nets with metal hooks which is ‘a danger to other park users’. She also claimed that broken glass is left behind after their sessions which adds another danger to children using the park.
District Manager Gary Giordano addressed the issues surrounding Highland Park and Evergreen Park in his report later in the meeting.
While acknowledging the concerns about the Highland Park disc golf course, Giordano highlighted a contrasting perspective: some community members have expressed their appreciation for the course and its benefits. He noted that discussions with the Parks Department are underway, with a potential compromise involving the reduction of the disc golf space.
In contrast, Giordano described the situation at Evergreen Park as more challenging. Although there have been signs of improvement in certain areas, he identified ongoing problems at nearby Rosemary’s Playground as a significant concern.
“These volleyball players have basically taken over numerous Ridgewood parks. They’re fairly obnoxious and they’re driving spikes for the poles to support their nets. Things I have never seen before in my life,” Giordano declared.
He added that this demonstrates the lack of police officers, as he used to be able to get officers to these parks much more easily than he currently can.
Historical significance of the parks
Both Highland Park and Evergreen Park hold deep historical and cultural significance for the community. Highland Park, spanning the Brooklyn-Queens border, dates back to the late 19th century and offers scenic views, walking trails, and green spaces that serve as a vital recreational outlet. Evergreen Park in Ridgewood, has long been a cherished neighborhood park providing open space for families and children in an area densely packed with housing.
As CB5 continues discussions with the Parks Department and other agencies, the board emphasized the need for balanced solutions to preserve the parks as inclusive, safe spaces for all community members.
