Big Bush Playground

NEW PLAYGROUND IN WOODSIDE’S BIG BUSH PARK NOW OPEN AFTER NEARLY $2 MILLION IN UPGRADES

Queens Borough Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski today joined Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer to cut the ribbon on a $1.8 million reconstruction of the playground and spray shower in Woodside’s Big Bush Park. Paved areas in the north end of the park were reconstructed to better accommodate both active play and passive recreation. The play and spray shower equipment was upgraded; and more green, permeable surface area was added to the park.
“After a year under construction, Big Bush Park reopened to the public this spring with some much-needed improvements,” said Commissioner Lewandowski. “An entry plaza along 61st Street now welcomes kids to a brand new play space with a spray shower that’s perfect for hot summer days. Adults will enjoy added greenery, a seating area, and new fitness equipment. Many thanks to our partners, Borough President Katz and Council Member Van Bramer, for their support of this incredible transformation.”

“With $2 million in upgrades to its playground, adult exercise equipment, game tables and more, Big Bush Park is now a new and improved recreational space for the growing families of Woodside,” said Borough President Katz. “Designs for this project were in no small part due to input from the engaged community, and serves as a perfect example of how residents can have a significant impact in beautifying our neighborhoods.”

The neighboring community members were actively involved in shaping this project, and the scope of renovations largely reflects their input. The park now features and entry plaza and seating area, making it more open and welcoming. Two upgraded play areas feature equipment for kids aged 2-5 and 5-12, as well as a new swing set and a central spray shower area. Adult fitness equipment was installed, and a lawn and grove area was created at the southern section of the park. New walkways, pavement, and accessible ramps were provided to increase access. Lastly, trees and shrubs were planted to provide shade, and LED luminaires were installed to improve lighting.

The reconstruction of Big Bush Park was funded with $1 million from Borough President Katz and $800,000 from Council Member Van Bramer. Construction began in May 2017 and was completed in May 2018.

The BQE, Bush Park, and Little Bush Park (now called Nathan Weidenbaum Playground) share the land that was once Bush Street. The construction of Bush and Little Bush Parks was part of Robert Moses’ Expressway Project. Moses felt that “the proposed park was located in a section of Queens which lacked adequate recreational facilities.” Today, Big Bush Park is home to handball courts, two baseball fields, basketball courts, a play area, and a comfort station.