Laurelton Playground

NYC PARKS CUTS THE RIBBON ON A BRAND NEW SKATE PARK IN LAURELTON PLAYGROUND

NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Michael Dockett today joined Borough President Melinda Katz, New York State Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman, New York City Council Member Donovan Richards, Community Board 13 District Manager Mark McMillan, and community members to cut the ribbon on the brand new Laurelton Playground Skate Park.

“We are excited to expand recreational opportunities and provide new amenities for the Laurelton community to enjoy,” said Commissioner Dockett. “I am proud to officially cut the ribbon on this brand new skate park. Thanks to funding from Borough President Katz and Council Member Richards, people of all ages will make new use of this vital greenspace, which will serve the area for many years to come.”

“This new, top-notch skate park, fitness path, and exercise equipment are welcome additions to Laurelton and will be enjoyed by local residents for many years to come,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. “It has been a privilege to work with Councilmember Richards and NYC Parks on making this fantastic skate park and fitness area a reality, because everyone deserves high-quality parks and playgrounds where they can have fun and be physically active.”

"Skaters and park-goers in Southeast Queens will finally have a refuge in their own community for honing their skills," said Senator Leroy Comrie. "I commend Commissioner Dockett and the NYC Parks Department for their commitment to diversifying the types of recreational amenities available to residents of Southeast Queens and enhancing our greenspaces. I also want to extend thanks to Borough President Katz and Council Member Richards for being attuned to the needs of the Laurelton community and committing the capital dollars needed to get this project done."

"The Laurelton Skate Park is a long time coming. I am so excited for Commissioner Dockett and my colleagues in government who created a space not only for children to play in, but for physical activities such as skating and fitness, socializing and open space for all,” said Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman. “Being able to feel a part of the community while you're in the community is a vital experience for all who reside or visit. I believe this is another path towards that goal. Congratulations to all."

“Every community deserves quality park space that provides residents with a diverse set of opportunities for exercise, relaxation and entertainment. The new Laurelton Playground Skate Park will awaken and energize all of the potential skaters in our community who unsurprisingly come out in full force once they have a new, high-quality environment to enjoy skating safely,” said Council Member Donovan Richards. “Every resident will also be able to enjoy the fitness equipment and social seating area, making this playground an exciting improvement for the surrounding community. I’d like to thank Borough President Katz and Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Dockett for their partnership in making this new addition to our neighborhood a reality.”

The new Laurelton Playground Skate Park was designed to serve users with a broad range of skills. The site now features a skate island, seat wall, fitness equipment, drinking fountain, social seating area, enhanced landscaping, and much more. The project features Parks Without Borders (PWB) design elements that extend the park into the community. Funding for this project was provided by a $1.1 million allocation from Council Member Donovan Richards and $600,000 from Borough President Melinda Katz.

Bounded by Laurelton Parkway, 136th Avenue, Brookville Boulevard, and 137th Avenue, Laurelton Playground bears the general name given to evergreen shrubs and small trees of varying flora families. Laurel is known as the shrub that produces the Bay leaf, which is commonly used in cooking. Parks opened Laurelton Playground on August 23, 1935 in service of the local community. The agency acquired two small parcels that were added to this playground in 1936. In May 1999, the playground received major improvements including the installation of drinking fountains, a flagpole with yardarm, new pavements, a chain-link fence, swings, a spray shower and a pre-case Doric column.