April 15, 2016 By Michael Florio
Astorians gathered on Wednesday evening to discuss renovation ideas for Astoria Health Playground, highlighting the need to adapt the space for different uses and age groups.
The Parks Department is renovating the playground, located on 14th Street between 31st Drive and 31st Avenue, through its Community Parks Initiative, which aims to improve historically under-funded parks.
It is one of a handful of local playground upgrades currently in the works. Playground Thirty-Five, another CPI project, had its own community meeting last week; Dutch Kills Playground is getting a $4.5 million redesign and there will be a community meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at P.S. 112 about that revamp.
Parks uses the feedback it gathers at these meetings to shape its renovation plans.
Roughly 25 residents attended Wednesday’s meeting, including Council Member Costa Constantinides and CB 1 district manager Florence Koulouris, according to the Parks Department.
“[Feedback was that] a variety of age groups use the park for different purposes,” a spokesperson said.
Community requests included additional play equipment, an expanded basketball court, and passive space for older residents to relax.
The park currently features play equipment for children, swings and a basketball court.
Anyone who was unable to attend the scoping meeting can still make recommendations online here.
Astoria Health Playground was named for the adjacent health center. Parks acquired the site in 1936.
