Picture this. You’re standing at Ravenswood Playground. This isn’t just any playground. It’s a piece of Astoria’s history. Ravenswood Playground opened in 1952. It served the Ravenswood and Queensview Houses two enormous housing projects. These opened in 1950 and 1951 respectively. The playground was part of the original plan for Ravenswood Houses. Developer Paul Tishman built the houses. The city acquired the land in 1949. The Parks Department took over in 1952.
The playground wasn’t always as it is today. Back then it had everything. Basketball handball and shuffleboard courts were there. An ice skating area a softball field swings a jungle gym even a sandpit. Can you imagine? Ice skating in Astoria? Think of the winters then.
In 1987 the name was simplified to Ravenswood Playground. It’s a shorter easier name to remember. The playground has undergone many changes. In 2009 it was renovated. The community played a huge role. A more recent $7.1 million renovation brought even more improvements.
The playground has a unique L-shape. This is because of the New York Sanitation Department’s Queens West 1 garage. This garage occupies the southeast corner. The playground is roughly three acres. It can be easy to miss. The newly landscaped greenery on two sides doesn’t help. Neither does the sanitation garage. The Ravenswood Houses are on another side. You really need to look for it.
The playground features a lot of new elements. There’s a knight-themed area. Kids can climb on rock features use rope ladders and slide down slides. There’s even dragon tic-tac-toe. A younger children’s area is also present. It has tactile and visual features plus musical elements. A serpentine water feature is in the middle of these areas. It’s a fantastic way to cool off.
There are benches and game tables. These are for parents to relax. They provide good sightlines to their children. An adult exercise area also adds to the amenities. There is a walking track. This is for seniors around the softball field. New basketball courts and a renovated softball field round out the offerings.
So here we stand at Ravenswood Playground. A testament to community effort. It’s a hub for the neighborhood. A place where generations of children have played. A place that continues to evolve. This park is more than just a place to play. It’s a vibrant part of Astoria’s story. A story that continues to be written. Every swing every laugh every game played. Each adds to its rich history.