Pat Williams Playground

FULL RECONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON PAT WILLIAMS PLAYGROUND IN QUEENS VILLAGE

NYC Parks’ Queens Borough Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski today joined State Senator Leroy Comrie, Council Member I. Daneek Miller and District Manager of Community Board 13 Mark McMillan to break ground on an $800,000 reconstruction of Pat Williams Playground in Queens Village. This project includes the reconstruction of play equipment, asphalt pavement, safety surface, fitness equipment, fencing and swings.

“Pat Williams Playground is a small space that plays a big role in the community,” said Commissioner Lewandowski. “This project gives us the opportunity to redesign the layout of the park, making a more cohesive space that maximizes the area for both play and fitness. We are grateful to Council Member Miller for supporting this vital neighborhood park.”

“I am pleased that the city is finally making an investment in this park that is worthy of its namesake Pat Williams, who advocated tirelessly for our community,” said Senator Comrie. “I thank the Mayor and the Parks Department for enhancing this space for the people of Queens Village.”

“Pat Williams was a renowned leader in Southeast Queens for her leadership in the fight against drugs with the 105th Precinct Community Council, outspokenness about the importance of civic engagement, plus her dedication to groups such as the Order of the Eastern Star and her own Concerned Citizens for a Safe Queens Village; she helped to bring our community together with the goal of increasing everyone’s quality of life. This playground is named after her because of her great efforts, and this reconstruction project will ensure her park continues to give back just as much as she did” said Councilman I. Daneek Miller. “This long overdue project will create a great new space for our youth and adults who do not have any other park in the immediate area to exercise or play in. I would like to thank Mayor Bill de Blasio and Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski for making this groundbreaking possible.”

The site will receive a complete reconstruction. All new play equipment will be installed for both age groups 5-12 and 2-5 along with new junior and kindergarten swings. New Adult fitness equipment will be installed adjacent to a new basketball court, which includes fiberglass backstops and colorful sports coating. The existing entrance will be enhanced with a welcoming planting bed with benches and game tables for all to use.
The park will also receive all new pavements, eliminating any tripping hazards. The new pavement will be painted with games and playful symbols relating to the site’s many uses; for example, basketballs leading to the basketball courts. Additional tree plantings will provide shade and, along with a new perimeter fence, they will help to separate the play area from the neighboring Cross Island Parkway.
The project was funded with $730,000 from the City Council and an additional $80,000 from the Mayor’s office. Construction began at the beginning of August 2016 and the park is expected to re-open in Spring 2017.
The playground honors the memory of community activist Pat Williams (1936-1990). Ms. Williams’ personal involvement in the community was legendary, as she raised money, purchased equipment, and organized events for the various organizations she was involved in, including the Concerned Citizens for a Safe Queens Village.