Challenge Playground

21st CENTURY PARK SYSTEM: NYC PARKS BREAKS GROUND ON $3 MILLION RENOVATION OF CHALLENGE PLAYGROUND IN LITTLE NECK

NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Michael Dockett today joined Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, State Senator John Liu, Assembly Member Edward Braunstein, City Council Member Barry Grodenchik, Community Board 11 District Manager Joseph Marziliano, and community members to break ground on improvements to Challenge Playground in Little Neck.

“We’re excited to break ground on renovations that will transform Challenge Playground into a more inclusive and accessible greenspace,” said Commissioner Dockett. “Upon completion, Queens residents and visitors can enjoy enhanced play and integral family-friendly space for recreation and outdoor fun. We’re grateful to Borough President Richards and Council Member Grodenchik for making this upgrade a priority.”

“This is a great day for the children and families of Little Neck as we break ground on this first-class playground,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Children need to have high-quality places to play in order for them to grow and thrive, and the reconstructed Challenge Playground will be such a space. I thank Council Member Grodenchik and the de Blasio Administration for making today’s groundbreaking possible.”

“Children and families are spending more and more time outdoors. It’s great for health and well-being, mental and physical. The Challenge playground has a special place in our community’s history and it’s long time to rebuild this important public asset,” said State Senator John Lui. “Thanks to Council Member Grodenchik, Queens Borough President Richards and the Parks Department for the strong partnership to get this project started and completed quickly."

“Playgrounds are critical to the health of a community, so the redesign and reconstruction of Challenge Playground will provide tremendous benefit to the communities of Little Neck and Douglaston," said Council Member Barry Grodenchik. "The improvements will create an amazing outdoor space where local residents, especially children, will be able to connect, interact, and thrive for years to come."

This project will reconstruct the existing playground with brand new sensory play equipment, swings, and spray showers. The new design will feature auditory and visual elements that will offer playful shadow effects, sounds, and touchable textures. Additional upgrades will include new seating and picnic areas, plantings, and repaved pedestrian pathways for easier access to the play area.

Renovations to Challenge Playground were made possible by a $75,000 allocation from Council Member Barry Grodenchik and $3 million from former Borough President Melinda Katz with continued support from Borough President Donovan Richards. The project is expected to be complete in spring 2022.