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Design plans unveiled for Dutch Kills Playground’s $4.5m upgrade

Nov. 15, 2016 By Hannah Wulkan

Dutch Kills Playground is one step closer to undergoing a $4.5 million facelift.

Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer unveiled the official designs for the upgraded playground today, which is located between 36^th and 37^th Avenues, and 28^th Street and Crescent Street.

The announcement took place at PS 112, a school in close proximity to the playground.

The new design includes additional green space, new play equipment, and upgraded public bathrooms, along with other improvements.

“It is the single most important thing that I can do as a council member, that we all can do, is make our world a safer and a better place for the children,” Van Bramer said.

Location of playground (GMaps)

Van Bramer announced the funding for the project, which is coming out of the city budget, in April, and once the design is officially approved, the project will be put out to bid.

Though he said he is not entirely sure of the timeline, Van Bramer said he hopes that construction will begin next year.

“This playground as you all know, just outside the school is a little bit worn and tired,” said Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski, adding that the design would change the landscape of the park from mostly asphalt to a much greener space.

The full overhaul will include new plantings and greening of the park, all new play equipment, a new spray shower, upgraded bathrooms, a picnic area, an area with fitness equipment, and redone handball and basketball courts.

“It feels great because I know that it will be used by generations of children,” Van Bramer said of building the park, explaining that he is most excited about the addition of green space. “In addition to making modern equipment available which is safer, it beautifies neighborhoods and it allows children to both be in a playground but also more of a park atmosphere,” he said.