Utopia Playground

Experience “Utopia” At December’s Park Of The Month!

Monday, December 21, 2009
No. 125
http://www.nyc.gov/parks

Utopia Playground has been named December’s Park of the Month. Located on Utopia Parkway between 73rd Avenue and Jewel Avenue in Queens, the 3-acre playground features lush plantings, a reflective rainbow playground fence, a new wall-climbing unit, cushioned safety surfacing and other innovative play structures for kids of all ages. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the playground is designed to be accessible to all children.

“Utopia Playground lives up to its name as it creates recreational opportunities for kids of all ages and abilities with the tot wall-climbing and accessible play equipment,” said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “Thanks to Council Member James Gennaro’s $1.76 million allocation, the Fresh Meadows community has another ideal place to play and relax.”

In July 2009, more than $1.7 million in renovations were made to the playground. These resources, allocated by Council Member Gennaro, funded the reconstruction of curbs and pavements, reconfiguration of garden spaces with drinking fountain and benches and replacement of outdated play equipment with modern swings and a jungle gym. Additionally, provisions were made for the continued growth and development of Utopia Playground’s mature trees.

Utopia Playground has deep roots in New York’s history. Named after an unfinished development project in 1905 by the Utopia Land Company, the playground shares its name with the adjacent Utopia Parkway. The parkland was once the home of the Black Stump School and a volunteer fire-brigade called the Black Stump Hook, Ladder and Bucket Company. The Parks Department acquired the entire site in 1941, and opened the playground the following spring.

Park of the Month introduces some of our greatest parks and recreation centers to curious New Yorkers and visitors alike. Visit www.nyc.gov/parks for more information about Utopia Playground and an archive for past featured parks.