Pat Williams Playground

PAT WILLIAMS PLAYGROUND IN QUEENS VILLAGE RE-OPENS WITH NEW BASKETBALL COURT AND COLORFUL PLAY EQUIPMENT

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, today joined Council Member I. Daneek Miller and State Senator Leroy Comrie to cut the ribbon on a $900,000 reconstruction of Pat Williams Playground in Queens Village. This project, which was completed in May, included the full reconstruction of the basketball court, and an upgrade to the outdated play equipment.

“For just under a million dollars, Pat Williams Playground has been reconstructed from top to bottom,” said Commissioner Silver. “New trees and benches surround two play areas, a swing set, a reconstructed basketball court, and fitness equipment for adults. We’re proud to have created a space that all members of the community can now enjoy, and we are sure that Pat Williams would be pleased.”

“This long overdue project is now 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” said Councilman I. Daneek Miller. “With the safety improvements, new basketball courts, and fitness equipment, it will give back to the community just like Pat Williams did. I would like to thank former Community Board 13 Chair Bryan Block, new Chairman Clive Williams, and District Manager Mark McMillan, as well as Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver and Queens Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski for making this ribbon cutting possible.”

"It was less than a year ago that I stood with Borough Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski, Council Member Miller, and my colleagues in the community as we broke ground on this exciting project," said Senator Leroy Comrie. "I commend Mayor de Blasio and NYC Parks for the speedy transformation of this space into a state-of-the-art park for the Queens Village community."

The layout of the playground was improved, with clear delineation of areas for basketball play, adult fitness and exercise, for children’s play and seating. Aged and damaged play equipment was replaced with new colorful equipment that addresses the needs of various ages and abilities, and promotes fitness. New seating surrounds the play equipment areas, so parents and caretakers can keep an eye on kids at play. Painted games and patterns adorn the asphalt throughout, animating the site and creating additional opportunities for creative play. An ornamental landscape area was created in the center of the park.
The project was funded with $730,000 from the City Council and an additional $160,000 from the Mayor’s office. Construction began at the beginning of August 2016 and the park was opened on schedule in May 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.