Press Releases

NYC PARKS CUTS THE RIBBON ON THE $6 MILLION RECONSTRUCTION OF JAMES A. BLAND PLAYGROUND

NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue today joined Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., New York City Councilmember Sandra Ung, U.S Congresswoman Grace Meng, New York State Assemblymember Ron Kim, Queens Borough Commissioner Jacqueline Langsam, and community members cut the ribbon on the newly reconstructed James A. Bland Playground in Queens. The $6 million investment fully transformed the playground and recreation area with upgraded play and water features, a newly surfaced basketball court, and new trees and benches for the community to enjoy.

“NYC Parks is excited to welcome Flushing residents back to the new and improved James A. Bland Playground,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Thanks to generous funding from both City Council and the Queens Borough President, we have upgraded the beautiful community playground with new play equipment for New Yorkers of all ages, water features for hot summer days, and seating areas for rest and relaxation. These improvements will ensure that Queens residents will be able to enjoy this space for decades to come.”

“I’m thrilled to see this newly renovated park finally open for our families at the Bland Houses and surrounding Flushing community,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “It doesn’t matter what their ZIP Code or socioeconomic status is, our families deserve quality and accessible amenities. I hope this park will bring them joy for many generations to come.”

"Bland Playground lies at the very heart of downtown Flushing, and I'm incredibly excited to see it reopen to the public after much needed renovations," said New York City Councilmember Sandra Ung. "The redesign not only brought new equipment and a fresh design to the playground, but also improved accessibility for the entire community. I hope the residents of Flushing enjoy the playground for years to come."

“The renovation of the James A. Bland playground has been years in the making, and it is exciting to finally see it come to fruition,” said New York State Assemblymember Ron Kim. “I encourage everyone to come out and take advantage of the new basketball courts, handball courts, spray stations, park benches and now, play areas for all ages. I want to thank our partners at the New York City Parks Department, our Queens Borough President, and our colleagues at the City Council for making this happen.”

The reconstructed playground features new play equipment, spray showers, and multi-purpose area to create a safe play space for children. The new entrances and paved pathways leading to the park will usher visitors into the park, while the new seating and plantings will keep the area cool during the summer months, allowing park-goers to stay longer and enjoy the outdoors.

An updated multi-purpose area has also been created, with painted games, and available space for jump rope, hopscotch which will serve children of all ages.

The $6 million investment was funded by City Council and the Borough Presidents Office.

The New York City Housing Authority transferred the playground property to NYC Parks in 1952. The playground opened to the public soon after. The playground is named in honor of James A. Bland (1854-1911), a Flushing native known to many as the “greatest black writer of American folk songs” and the “world’s greatest minstrel man.” He was inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 1970.

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Press Contact:

Judd Faulkner

pressoffice@parks.nyc.gov

(212) 360-1311