NYC Parks announces $33 million in renovations for parks in Rockaway Peninsula

Surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers rejoice, as this weekend Rockaway Seashore formally opens its sandy shores to the general public for the season. Along with catching some waves and absorbing some summer season solar Rockaway beachgoers will even quickly be capable of get pleasure from new beachfront parks. Final week, New York Metropolis Parks introduced its plans for simply over $33 million in upgrades and new facilities for six new tasks on the Rockaway Peninsula coming this summer season.

The cash is cut up accordingly between the six tasks. Three parks are funded by the Federal Emergency Administration Company (FEMA); these particular funds are value financial savings from the Rockaway Seashore boardwalk reconstruction after Hurricane Sandy, which devastated the realm in 2012 and destroyed many inexperienced areas in southern Queens.

“Rockaway Seashore is likely one of the metropolis’s premier locations for solar and enjoyable, and with a number of new park enchancment tasks opening this summer season, Rockaway will likely be higher than ever this yr,” mentioned NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue in a press launch. “Because of advocacy from the neighborhood and our elected officers, these new facilities characterize a big improve to Rockaway greenspace, and with model new parkland, a picturesque efficiency area, playgrounds, and even a labyrinth, there’s actually one thing for everybody to get pleasure from in Rockaway.”

Of those upcoming tasks, three have already opened: the Seashore 59th Avenue Playground, which has been outfitted with model new slides, swings, and different play buildings; security supplies; and water options; in addition to the Seashore 94-Ninety fifth Avenue Gateway Plaza and Efficiency Area, which serves as a grand entrance for Rockaway Seashore and units the stage for a lot of sorts of leisure; and the Shorefront Labyrinth & Seating Space, which has an inlaid labyrinth designed for contemplative use and surrounded by seating.

The subsequent two tasks slated to open are the Shorefront Parkway Multi-Objective Space, containing sand volleyball courts together with means for different leisure actions corresponding to desk tennis and grownup health gear, after which the Shorefront Seashore 98th Avenue Playground which could have age applicable gear for younger kids to seniors. The final venture to open will likely be Nameoke Park late this summer season, which can embody a twin seating and performing space, together with shade beneath current bushes and recreation tables all organized to encourage social interplay.

The six tasks will open all through the summer season, in order that they could be utilized by the general public for summer season actions and onward.