Louis C. Moser Playground

BULOVA PARK GROUND BREAKING CELEBRATION

Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski today joined Council Member Costa Constantinides to break ground on Bulova Park and officially rename the site for community advocate Louis C. Moser.

“The time has come to bid farewell to Bulova Park as we know it -- we are rebuilding this park for a new generation, with a new name that pays homage to this community,” said Commissioner Lewandowski. “A year from now, we look forward to unveiling updated equipment, a new spray shower, painted games and colorful plantings. It’s an honor to name this park after Louis C. Moser, and we are sure that this renovation will realize his dream of better community parks in northern Queens.”

Council Member Costa Constantinides said, "Improvements to our parks bring vital improvements to our neighborhoods. The new play equipment, swings, plantings, and adult fitness equipment will help Bulova Moser Park better serve the surrounding community. I am proud to have allocated over $1.3 million in funding for this renovation and I thank Mayor de Blasio for making this upgrade a priority. We are honored to recognize Louis Moser's civic service and contributions to our neighborhood by re-naming this park after him. I look forward to working with the Parks Department and community stakeholders as the renovation continues."

The $1.87 million renovation was funded by the City Council ($1.37 million) and Mayor de Blasio ($500,000). Work will include the installation of two new sets of play equipment, swings, adult fitness elements, and new plantings. The park’s drainage and underground water supply system will be constructed and new drinking fountains and spray showers will be added. New pavement will be laid, eliminating any trip hazards, and fencing and furnishings will complete the site. Construction began in September and is expected to be complete by fall 2018.

This park is being re-named to honor the achievements of Jackson Heights community activist Louis C. Moser (1904-1983). Moser is best remembered for the creation of the North Queens Home Owners’ Civic Association, founded in 1941 with only ten families. The group focused its efforts on preserving the residential character of northern Queens by preventing over-development and defending the rights and interests of homeowners. Moser also promoted both pedestrian and motorist safety in Jackson Heights; he successfully petitioned for the installation of safety lighting on sidewalks and traffic lights in his community. By the time of Moser’s death, 700 families belonged to the North Queens Homeowners Civic Association. Throughout his 42 years of civic service, Moser staunchly supported the proliferation and maintenance of parks and playgrounds in Jackson Heights. Prior to this, the park was named for the Bulova watch company, which gifted the site to the City.