Simeone Park

NYC PARKS CUTS THE RIBBON ON LOUIS SIMEONE PARK

The $3 million project has completely transformed the Corona, Queens park

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, yesterday joined Council Member Francisco Moya and community members to cut the ribbon on more than $3 million in renovations to Louis Simeone Park in Corona, Queens. The scope of work included the construction of new pavements, drainage, benches, game tables, fencing, fitness equipment and plantings. This is one of 10 Queens parks to be reconstructed under the Community Parks Initiative (CPI).

“The reconstruction of Louis Simeone Park transformed a passive area of the park into a community gathering space that accommodates users of all ages and interests,” said Commissioner Silver. “With input from the neighborhood, we’ve completely reimagined this space, and we can’t wait to see it everyone enjoy it this summer.”

“Louis Simeone Park provides an invaluable place for our community, where parents can make memories with their children and residents can take their pick of the amenities — whether it’s working out or relaxing,” said Councilman Moya. “In a city that can be frenetic, green spaces like this are a welcome reminder that sometimes all we need is a place to go, take a breath and unwind.”

Construction began in November 2016 and the project was completed earlier this year, in late January 2018. The project was funded with $2.2 million from Mayor de Blasio, including funding from the Parks Without Borders initiative, and an additional $960,000 from the City Council.

New amenities in the park include a walking path around the perimeter of the park, adult exercise equipment, two new grassy berms, a new playground for tots and older children, tot swings, and a resilient safety surface cover. A new spray shower area was installed, as well as two drinking fountains and bottle fillers. New benches are surrounded by trees and plantings, and LED lighting will be added to existing light poles. Fences have been removed from the north, south, and west sides of the park to provide a more welcoming experience, and a new entrance has been added from Strong Avenue, which was previously closed. Lower fences enclose the playground and adjacent planted areas.The existing drainage system has been reconstructed, and can now help intercept storm water runoff from the adjacent streets.

Launched by Mayor de Blasio in October 2014, CPI is a multi-faceted, $318 million investment in neighborhood/local parks that are located in New York City’s densely populated and growing neighborhoods with higher-than-average concentrations of poverty. CPI is NYC Parks' first major equity initiative and part of the Mayor’s OneNYC: The Plan for a Strong and Just City.

This park honors Corona community activist Louis F. Simeone (1920-1984). Simeone was raised in Corona, Queens, attending St. Leo’s Parochial School, Laughlin High School, and St. John’s University, earning a degree in accounting. Soon after graduating St. John’s, he opened his own accounting and insurance firm in Corona, the Simeone Agency. Active in many civic organizations, Simeone was a member of the Lions Club, Community Board 4, and Community School Board 24, both of which he chaired.