Astoria Park

MAKING PROGRESS ON ANCHOR PARKS INITIATIVE: PARKS CELEBRATES OPENING OF BRAND NEW TRACK AND FIELD WHILE CONSTRUCTION ON CHARYBDIS PLAYGROUND IN ASTORIA PARK IS UNDERWAY

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, today joined New York City Council Member Costa Constantinides, Community Board 1 District Manager Florence Kouloris, and members of the community to break ground on renovations to Charybdis Playground and cut the ribbon on a total reconstruction of Astoria Park Track and Field —the first project completed through the Anchor Parks Initiative.

“Astoria Park is a key Queens destination that has served Astoria and surrounding communities for over a century,” said Commissioner Silver. “With a completely renovated track and field and monumental upgrades coming to Charybdis Playground, Astoria Park will continue to serve as this neighborhood’s anchor for generations to come. We are grateful to Mayor de Blasio for his commitment to providing New Yorkers with world-class greenspaces.”

“There’s no better way to wrap up the year and kick off 2020 by celebrating the amazing work we’re doing at Astoria Park,” said Council Member Costa Constantinides. “I was so thrilled to see the state-of-the-art track and soccer field returned to the community ahead of schedule. It’s equally as exciting to see construction begin on a new Charybdis Playground, which will give generations of Astoria residents a safe and constructive place to play. Thanks to the Parks Department for its continued partnership in restoring this crown jewel of western Queens.”

Launched by Mayor Bill de Blasio in August 2016, the Anchor Parks initiative committed a total of $150 million in City funding for major improvements at five large parks: Astoria Park in Queens, Highbridge Park in Manhattan, Betsy Head Park in Brooklyn, St. Mary’s Park in the Bronx, and Freshkills Park on Staten Island. More than 750,000 New Yorkers live within walking distance of the five Anchor Parks. Each was selected based on historical underinvestment, high surrounding population and potential for park development.

The Astoria Park project is being executed in two phases, outlined below:

Phase I: This project includes a brand new, 8-lane track surrounding a brand new synthetic turf soccer field; an adult fitness area adjacent to the track; new site amenities including water fountains and benching lining the waterfront; as well as a new rain garden and much needed erosion control.

Phase II: This project includes the reconstruction of Charybdis Playground with all new equipment, a spray shower, and a complete renovation of the comfort station.

Details for the other four Anchor Parks projects are as follows:

Highbridge Park, Manhattan

Phase I: This project will reinstate access to a 10-block stretch of the park, improve connectivity and pathways, restore the historic Grand Staircase and construct an ADA-compliant plaza at W. 184th Street and Laurel Hill Terrace. The project will also improve safety and security with new park lighting, and construct a welcome garden at the Dyckman Street and Harlem River Drive entrance to the park.

Phase II: This project will reconstruct Adventure Playground, creating a play-based active recreation playground featuring a spray shower, game tables, garden area and new comfort station. The project will also include adult fitness equipment at Sunken Playground.

St. Mary’s Park, Bronx

Phase I: The first phase of construction will boast more than $10 million in improvements including: two reconstructed ballfields; sports event seating; an expanded dog run with a water fountain; sports lighting; an ADA accessible seating area; new fencing; and landscape upgrades with new planting beds. Construction is expected to be completed by next spring.

Phase II: Currently in procurement, this project will reconstruct the amphitheater plaza, pathways, passive central area, and the west comfort station. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

Betsy Head Park, Brooklyn

Phase I: This project will completely re-envision and reconstruct the multi-purpose play area, basketball courts, active fitness area, and new skate park.

Phase II: This project will reconstruct the southern portion of the park, including a large field, sports courts, seating areas, and reconstruction of the comfort station.

Freshkills Park, Staten Island

This project will create multiple athletic fields, paths and trails, parking and a comfort station that will continue the development of South Park and the greater Freshkills Parkland.