Astoria Park

CITY HALL IN YOUR BOROUGH: NYC PARKS UNVEILS $12.5 MILLION RENOVATION OF CHARYBDIS PLAYGROUND IN ASTORIA

Today, as part of City Hall In Your Borough, NYC Parks Acting Commissioner Margaret Nelson joined Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, former Council Member Costa Constantinides, Community Board 1 Chair Marie Torniali, and community members to cut the ribbon on phase two of the $30 million reconstruction of Astoria Park in Queens – one of five projects funded through the Anchor Parks Initiative.

“We’re delighted to celebrate the tremendous transformation of Charybdis Playground, one of Astoria’s most cherished greenspaces, during City Hall In Your Borough,” said NYC Parks Acting Commissioner Nelson. “With new play equipment and an interactive spray play area that incorporates a piece of this historic park’s past, Charybdis Playground is better equipped to serve Astoria for generations to come. We’re grateful to Mayor de Blasio and former Council Member Constantinides for their dedication and commitment to providing New Yorkers with quality, world-class parks.”

“Despite the fact it is named after a scary mythological sea monster, the newly reconstructed Charybdis Playground is truly a beautiful and fun space that will serve the recreational needs of Astoria’s children and families and Western Queens neighborhoods for decades to come,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Having access to first-class parks and recreational facilities is important to the families of Queens, and I am glad to see the ongoing major upgrade to our borough’s park system. I thank the Mayor and the Council, including Astoria’s former Council Member and my good friend Costa Constantinides, for providing this funding.

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 was executed in two phases, outlined below:

Phase I: This project included 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 reconstructed Charybdis Playground with all new equipment, a spray shower, and a complete renovation of the comfort station. Construction on the comfort station is slated for completion this Winter.

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

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

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

St. Mary’s Park, Bronx
Phase I: The first phase of construction boasts 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.

Phase II: Currently in construction, this project will reconstruct the amphitheater plaza, pathways, passive central area, and the west comfort station.

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.