What if playgrounds could talk? Bayside Playground might tell tales of laughter and community. This playground has served Bayside, Queens for decades. It is located on 34th Avenue and 214th Place. Bayside Playground opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. every day.
Councilwoman Vickie Paladino announced big plans for Bayside Playground. In September 2023, she secured $6.5 million for renovations. This funding comes in partnership with City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. The 2024 Fiscal Year will bring many changes. The money will fund new play equipment and sidewalks. It will also improve seating, drainage, and landscaping.
Paladino visited Bayside Playground with the Parks Administrator. She saw that renovations were necessary. Many constituents told her that upgrading the playground was a priority. Securing the funding was one of her top priorities.
The playground first appeared in Crocheron Park in 1936. Tennis courts, a baseball diamond, and a field house were also added. This happened after efforts by the Bayside Civic Association. In 1999, the playground was renovated. Borough President Claire Shulman allocated $867,000 for upgrades. These upgrades honored Buz O’Rourke. O’Rourke was a Bayside activist and Shulman’s Director of Constituent Services.
Since 1999, Bayside Playground hasn’t seen any improvements. The broader 45.8-acre park has been upgraded recently. It sits on the shores of Little Neck Bay. Construction on the ballfields at Crocheron Park finished in July 2020. New fences, natural turf, accessible paths, and dugouts were added. This project received over $1.5 million in funding.
The NYC Parks Department installed special needs play equipment in Crocheron Park in April 2017. This $1.8 million project was funded by the mayor’s office and the City Council.
Now that funding is secured, a community input meeting will be scheduled. Local residents can share their ideas for the playground’s new design. The design phase typically lasts 10-16 months. The Parks Department will develop a conceptual design and seek approval.
Next comes procurement. This nine-month process selects a contractor. Then, a work start date is set. Construction for park projects averages 12-18 months.
The Parks Department appreciates Council member Paladino’s efforts. They look forward to starting the project soon with a Community Input Meeting.
Paladino added that Buz O’Rourke will be getting a makeover. She will ensure the project is completed promptly. She also wants to make sure that the community is satisfied. Paladino thanked the Department of Parks and Recreation. She acknowledged their dedication to the parks and playgrounds in District 19. She also thanked them for their attention to Bayside Playground.
Council member Paladino ensures it is completed in a timely fashion.