“Hey kids ready to play?” That is what Peter G. Van Alst would ask. This park carries his name. We are at Van Alst Playground in Astoria Queens. It’s a vibrant space loved by families and students from P.S. 171.
Let’s step back in time. Peter G. Van Alst was born in Dutch Kills in 1828. He was part of a large Dutch farming family. They had settled here in the early 1700s. Van Alst became a surveyor. He helped build roads in western Queens.
In 1874 Van Alst became a commissioner. He improved Jackson Avenue. His maps showed street lines, grades, and sewage lines in Long Island City.
Fast forward to today. Van Alst Playground has a new look. In 2017 it underwent a $3.5 million renovation. It was the first playground upgraded under the Community Parks Initiative. This initiative aimed to improve parks in underserved areas.
The playground was once a cracked asphalt lot. Now it is a colorful space for sports. You can play basketball, soccer, and track. There is new play equipment and renovated handball courts. A spray shower cools kids off in summer.
The community helped design the renovation. They wanted to improve the playground’s connection to the neighborhood. They expanded recreation for all ages and abilities. They also improved safety and the environment.
The project included green infrastructure. Rain gardens collect stormwater. This prevents it from entering the sewer system. It also helps to clean the East River. These gardens prevent over 32000 gallons of stormwater from entering the sewer system when it rains.
The renovation of Van Alst Playground shows how much the community cares. It offers a fun safe place for everyone to enjoy. Remember Peter G. Van Alst. He helped shape this area long ago. Now his name lives on in this wonderful playground.