April 13, 2016 By Michael Florio
Dozens of Astorians gathered last week to brainstorm improvements for a local playground, with ideas ranging from new swings to a makeover for a public sculpture.
The Parks Department held a meeting on April 6 where the public was able to suggest ideas for the renovation of Playground Thirty Five, located at the intersection of 35th Avenue and Steinway Street.
About 70 residents, including 30 kids, attended the meeting at the Museum of the Moving Image to share their ideas for the playground, which currently has a jungle gym, swings and a life-size polar bear sculpture.
Residents’ ideas included creating separate play areas for toddlers and older children and new safety surfacing, according to spokesperson Meghan Lalor.
Other ideas included installing new swings, plantings and a makeover for the bear sculpture.
The playground’s renovation comes through the Community Parks Initiative, a program to improve historically under-funded parks Citywide.
The Parks Department will use suggestions from last week’s meeting to “shape the scope of the renovations,” Lalor said.
“We expect to have an initial draft to share with the Community Board in about a month,” she added.
Anyone who was unable to attend the meeting can still make recommendations online here.
Another Astoria park will be up for community input tonight.
The Parks Department will host a meeting regarding Astoria Health Playground, which is located at 14th Street between 31st Avenue and 31st Drive, at the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens (21-12 30th Road) at 7 p.m. this evening.
Astoria Health Playground will also be renovated under the Community Parks Initiative.
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