Ravenswood Playground

NYC PARKS OPENS $7.1 MILLION RAVENSWOOD PLAYGROUND RENOVATIONS TO THE COMMUNITY

Today, NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue joined Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., City Council Member Julie Won, Community Board 1 District Manager Florence Koulouris, and members of the community, to officially cut the ribbon on $7.1 million in improvements to Ravenswood Playground, adjacent to the Ravenswood Houses, in Astoria, Queens.

Ravenswood Playground has undergone a massive renovation, entirely reconstructed to include new play equipment, water play features, seating and picnic areas, renovated basketball courts and softball fields, and more.

“Ravenswood Playground has been completely transformed, and we could not be more excited to cut the ribbon on these new amenities for the community,” said Commissioner Donoghue. “Thanks to our Mayor, Queens Borough President, and City Council, over $7 million has been invested to transform this vital neighborhood greenspace, with something for everyone in the community to enjoy. I know that Ravenswood Playground will continue to be focal point for fun and relaxation for the Astoria community into the future.”

"I'm thrilled that families in Ravenswood Houses finally have a new and improved Ravenswood Playground to call their own," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "Our playgrounds, parks and open spaces are our lifelines, and all our kids and families - regardless of ZIP code or socioeconomic status - deserve high-quality spaces to enjoy. With this new renovation, we're a step closer to making that a reality for families across Queens."

“This $7.1 million investment for Ravenswood Playground ensures that our NYCHA residents can enjoy brand new equipment, renovated sports fields, and much-needed safety improvements,” said Council Member Julie Won. “Our parks are where our kids play, and I am happy that our neighbors at Ravenswood Houses will have an updated space to enjoy the outdoors. Thank you to the Mayor’s office, the borough president’s office, and the City Council for making this renovation possible.”

In the children’s play area, new equipment has been added to accommodate all-inclusive, accessible play as well as interactive water spray play features. A new adult fitness area has been constructed and includes accessible units for users of all abilities. The basketball courts and softball field have been repaved, and now include a college-sized basketball court with new bleacher seating to accommodate tournaments and spectator needs, as requested by the community. A walking track has been provided around the perimeter of the paved softball field to provide more activities for seniors.

The entry and sidewalk at 35th Avenue have also been reconstructed and a new seating area has been created with new benches, game tables and trees, to offer a quiet reprieve for park patrons who prefer a more passive park experience. New security lighting has been provided to provide adequate illumination for safety.

The $7.1 million reconstruction project was made possible with $4 million from the City Council, $2.5 million from the Office of the Borough President, and $700,000 from the Office of the Mayor. Construction began in May 2021 and was completed in June 2022.