Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk

SANDPIPER PLAYGROUND REOPENS BOASTING $6.9 MILLION IN IMPROVEMENTS

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, joined Queens Borough President Melinda Katz; City Council Member Eric Ulrich; New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo; New York State Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato; and local community members to officially cut the ribbon on the reconstruction of Sandpiper Playground. Due to damage from Super Storm Sandy, the playground underwent a full $6.9 million renovation; with $2.6 million from Mayor Bill de Blasio; $2 million from Queens Borough President Melinda Katz; $1.2 million from Council Member Ulrich; and $1.4 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“The restoration of this treasured shorefront playground is another step towards bringing world-class greenspaces to neighborhoods all over our city,” said Commissioner Silver. “I am proud to re-open this beautiful park for the Rockaway communities to enjoy. With brand new play equipment and improved pathways, Sandpiper Playground has been renewed for generations to come.”

“The reopening of Sandpiper Playground is another great milestone in the rebuilding and growth of the Rockaways following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. “This reconstructed community space, with its weather-resistant and accessible play equipment, its sea creature design elements and its opportunities for passive recreation, is a boon to the Rockaways and will be enjoyed by the growing families in this area for years to come.”

“I’m very happy to see the opening of the newly rebuilt Sandpiper Playground. Of the many public areas that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, Sandpiper Playground has a special place in the hearts of my constituents as many of them played there when they were kids, and then took their own kids to play there too,” said Council Member Eric Ulrich. “Now future generations will be able to enjoy the space and the many improved amenities it offers.”

“Little by little the Rockaway community is becoming whole again, seven years after being devastated by Superstorm Sandy, and the restoration of Sandpiper Playground is another step in that direction,” said State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. “The nearly $7 million project has made Sandpiper Playground an even better community destination with all new play areas and equipment. I want to thank my colleagues in government, the NYC Parks Department and all involved for helping to bring this project to fruition.”

“It has been a long road to recovery – so days like today are a true symbol of recovery. I am so proud to stand here today with my colleagues and community partners in re-opening the Sandpiper Playground,” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato. “This playground was cherished by so many prior to Sandy, and now with this investment, will be enjoyed for years to come. Many thanks to the NYC Parks Department for their continued efforts in beautifying the parks throughout city, but especially here in Rockaway.”

With nearly $7 million in upgrades, the revitalized Sandpiper Playground now features ADA accessible play equipment with safety surfacing; a restored Wave Shelter; water play equipment; new plantings; and fencing. In addition to the updated active amenities, there are opportunities for passive recreation with new seating areas along Shorefront Parkway. Pedestrian paths have also been replaced to provide easier access to the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk.

Located on Shorefront Parkway between 106th and 107th streets, Sandpiper Playground honors the sandpipers that can be found at nearby Rockaway Beach. These small birds make their way through the area during a long winter migration from their artic nesting sites. Former NYC Parks Commissioner Henry Stern changed the name of this playground from Beach 106 Playground to Sandpiper Playground in January 2000.