$7.1 Million Overhaul of Ravenswood Playground Complete, Officials Hold Ribbon Cutting

The Parks Dept. has completed a $7.1 million revamp of Ravenswood Playground in Astoria and officials held a ribbon-cutting event there Tuesday (Photo: Daniel Avila via Parks Dept.)

Nov. 15, 2022 By Michael Dorgan

The Parks Dept. has completed a $7.1 million revamp of Ravenswood Playground in Astoria and officials held a ribbon-cutting event there Tuesday.

The playground, located next to the NYCHA Ravenswood Houses on 21st Street, has undergone an overhaul that includes new play equipment, a spray area, and a new adult fitness area.

The softball field and basketball court area have been resurfaced while the playground also features new benches, lighting, native tree and plant beds. In addition, the improvements include new accessible entrances and paths as well as a renovated picnic grove.

Work on the project began in May 2021 and was completed in June, according to the Parks Dept.

The ribbon-cutting event was attended by Parks Dept. Commissioner Sue Donoghue, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Councilmember Julie Won, Community Board 1 District Manager Florence Koulouris and other residents.

Richards said he was thrilled with the improvements, given it was the first major upgrade to the 2.76-acre park in more than two decades. The park was established in 1952.

“Our playgrounds, parks and open spaces are our lifelines, and all our kids and families – regardless of ZIP code or socioeconomic status – deserve high-quality spaces to enjoy,” Richards said.

“With this new renovation, we’re a step closer to making that a reality for families across Queens.”

The softball area at Ravenswood Playground (Photo: Daniel Avila via Parks Dept,)

The upgrades have seen new markings put down for basketball.

A single college-sized basketball court has been lined out running in an east-west direction, replacing the previous markings which saw two small courts running in a north-south direction. The court also has new bleacher seating to accommodate spectators watching tournaments.

Meanwhile, a new blue-colored walking track has been put down around the perimeter of the softball field to provide more activities for seniors.

Won said that the new upgrades were much needed and ensured that park can be used by all residents.

“Our parks are where our kids play, and I am happy that our neighbors at Ravenswood Houses will have an updated space to enjoy the outdoors,” Won said.

The renovations were made possible by a $3.9 million allocation from the City Council, $2.5 million from the Borough President’s Office, and nearly $700,000 from Mayor’s Office.