Junction Playground in Jackson Heights received a $1.75 million makeover complete with colorful equipment and a new interactive spray shower.
Located at 33-59 Junction Blvd., the 0.54-acre park also includes basketball and handball courts, which were renovated during the process. The entrance plazas, landscape areas, perimeter walls, staircases, fences and sidewalks surrounding the park were also renovated.
Outdated equipment like monkey bars and swings were replaced with new equipment that “addresses the needs of various ages and abilities, while promoting fitness,” according to the Parks Department. The renovation started in April 2016.
The spray shower now has multiple settings and can be activated by children. It is set on a 7-minute timer to conserve water.
“Junction Playground is one of the most used parks in our community,” said Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland. “It is a crucial park for kids during the summer when it’s hot and they’re looking for a place to cool off. It’s an asset for families that do not have backyards. And it’s a community meeting ground for programming and for moms to meet.”
The Parks Department also reduced the amount of asphalt at the park and replaced it with decorative modular pavers. There are now benches at all three entrances and landscaped areas and tree pits around the park were expanded to improve plant health.
Ferreras-Copeland provided $1.4 million for the renovation while Queens Borough President Melinda Katz provided $350,000.
