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Astoria Playground to get a $800,000 Makeover

Paul Raimonda Playground about to undergo upgrade

Dec. 8, 2013 By Christian Murray

Paul Raimonda Playground, located on 20th Avenue (between 47 St. and 48 St.), is about to undergo a makeover.

Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., in a press conference last Tuesday, said that about $800,000 of city funds are being diverted toward upgrading the playground. He said that the improvements, which will begin during the fall of 2014, will come in two stages.

Phase 1 will begin by replacing the bocce court (a traditional Italian game requiring a court) with fitness equipment. Vallone said there will be a new spray shower shaped like a Steinway piano—as well as new benches. The asphalt will be replaced and the flagpole reconstructed.

Phase 2 will include new play equipment, painted games, gate repair and the resealing of the basketball court.

The last major contribution allocated to the playground was $527,000 by Vallone’s father, Former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr. in 1995.

The playground is named after Paul Raimonda (1922-1988), an outspoken community leader who lived his entire life in the area.

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