Fresh Meadows, New York- Council Member Barry S. Grodenchik and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz joined Queens Borough Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski, Community Board 8Q Chairperson Martha Taylor, Community Board 8Q District Manager Marie Adam-Ovide, Friends of Cunningham Park President Marc A. Haken, the students of PS/IS 178 Queens, and local community leaders for the design unveiling of Redwood Playground.
Thanks to Melinda Katz, Barry S. Grodenchik, and former Council Member Mark S. Weprin, the city’s budget includes $1.7 million for the reconstruction of this now dated play space. After a year of community input and planning, the dream of opening a new playground is on track to become a reality. The proposed new look of Cunningham Park’s lower playground, also known as Redwood Playground, was unveiled to the community. The new design will include updated playground equipment, enhanced landscaping, and an ADA compliant ramp. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2018.
“Cunningham Park is one of the jewels of our borough’s park system, with Redwood Playground an important part of it,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. “The transformation of Redwood Playground will result in a beautiful, accessible and interactive play space for the families of Queens.”
“The Redwood playground is in desperate need of a facelift. The new playground design is going to be spectacular, as all of our children deserve the best. I look forward to the ground breaking and then the ribbon cutting,” said Council Member Barry S. Grodenchik.
“With the help of $1.7 million in funding from the Borough President and the City Council, Parks was proud to share a design to renovate and upgrade the children’s play areas at Redwood Playground. The improvements will also ensure that people of all abilities can navigate the playground seamlessly,” said Queens Borough Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski.
“I am delighted that Borough President Melinda Katz and Council Member Barry Grodenchik are funding this much-needed improvement to bring Redwood Playground to the same wonderful condition that Cunningham Park is in. I look forward to the day when children will have a first-rate playground experience," said Community Board 8Q Chairperson Martha Taylor.
"Thank you to Borough President Katz and Council Member Grodenchik for funding this project in CB 8Q. I am most grateful for the ADA accessibility that will be provided," said Community Board 8Q District Manager Marie Adam-Ovide.
Aric Chen
Editor