NYC Parks officials and community leaders cut the ribbon in celebration of the upgrades at Northern Playground in Jackson Heights (Photo Courtesy of NYC Parks / Malcolm Pinckney)
Dec. 2, 2021 By Christian Murray
NYC Parks officials and local leaders cut the ribbon on a new synthetic turf field at Northern Playground in Jackson Heights Tuesday.
The playground, located on Northern Boulevard—between 93rd and 94th Streets—has undergone a $1.75 million overhaul that includes the reconstruction of the existing synthetic turf field and drainage system.
The revamp also includes new drinking fountains, benches and a new rubberized surface basketball court area with new backboards. The upgrade was completed in September, five months ahead of schedule.
“In Jackson Heights — one of the communities that was hardest hit by COVID, and an area where parkland is scarce — projects like the one at Northern Playground are especially critical,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Gabrielle Fialkoff. “We are proud to celebrate this beautiful new synthetic turf field, built for a variety of sports and games for the kids of P.S. 149 and the entire community.”
The playground serves P.S. 149 The Christa McAuliffe School, as well as the surrounding Jackson Heights neighborhood.
The funds for the upgrade came via Council Member Danny Dromm, who allocated $1.75 million of city funds toward the project.
“During my 12 years in office, I made sure that every park in my district was renovated,” Dromm, who represents the 25th Council District, said in a statement.
Dromm, who is term limited, will be leaving office at year-end. He will be replaced by Shekar Krishnan.
The upgrades at Northern Playground in Jackson Heights include a new rubberized surface basketball court area with new backboards (Photo Courtesy of NYC Parks / Malcolm Pinckney)
The synthetic turf field and drainage system at Northern Playground in Jackson Heights has been reconstructed (Photo Courtesy of NYC Parks / Malcolm Pinckney)
