Astoria Heights Playground Reopens After $7.9M Upgrade

ASTORIA, QUEENS -- Children splashed, climbed and frolicked through Astoria Heights Playground on Friday as they took advantage of the park's first major upgrades in more than 20 years.

The children were joined by city and local officials who cut the ribbon to officially reopen the playground on 30th Road after its $7.9 million makeover, which included everything from a water play area to a new athletic field and green infrastructure.

The playground's new look was funded in part by the city's Community Parks Initiative, which Mayor Bill de Blasio launched in 2014 to invest in the city's smaller parks in areas with above-average poverty levels.

"Astoria Heights Playground, like all of the Community Parks Initiative sites, was long overdue for an update, so we're grateful to be able to give this space the attention it deserves," said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver.

Mayor de Blasio coughed up $4.3 million for the project, with nearly going toward a separate project to fix the playground's long-decrepit comfort station. City Councilman Costa Constantinides pitched in $1.1 million and Queens Borough President Melinda another $1 million.

Their money went toward colorful new play equipment for kids up to 15 years old, a water play area with 10 in-ground spray jets and five upright sprayers, and a new tennis and volleyball court surrounded by a track, according to the DOT.

The playground was also made easier to navigate with new pathways and an accessible ramp. Its activities are now grouped together, with athletic courts on the upper side and playgrounds and passive areas on the lower side.

"Astoria Heights Park has been a haven in our community, which is why it was important that it endeavor as a 21st century open space," Constantinides said. "Astoria families can now enjoy its sports courts, play equipment, picnic tables and spray shower without having to venture too far."

The project was designed, in part, with feedback from locals and I.S. 10 Horace Greeley Middle School students and faculty, who share the playground, according to NYC Parks.

"The new playground is for the community, by the community," Katz said.

The last $1.5 million in upgrades came in the form of green infrastructure from the city Department of Environmental Protection. The funds were part of a larger initiative to install systems to manage rainfall and reduce sewer overflows in the city's parks and playgrounds.

"We have committed more than $50 million to this initiative to install new green infrastructure that will help to both capture stormwater and beautify communities," said DEP Commissioner Vincent Sapienza.

Lead photos courtesy of the New York City Parks Department