BY JENNA BAGCAL
Queens lawmakers and the NYC
Parks Department celebrated the
completion of the much-anticipated
renovations at Crocheron Park Little
League Ballfields in Bayside.
Construction began in 2019 and
included a comprehensive reconstruction
of the park’s southeast ballfield
(known as Field 3), the installation of
new bleachers and enhanced landscaping
for the area. Additionally, the field
received new safety and accessibility
features for players and fans alike.
Those present at the April 16 ribbon
cutting were NYC Parks Queens
Borough Commissioner Michael
Dockett, Queens Borough President
Donovan Richards, Councilman Paul
Vallone, Friends of Crocheron Park
President Jessica Burke and Bayside
Little League President Bob Reid.
“Baseball is a great way to get outside
safely during these difficult times
and our national pastime brings us
together as we move towards a recovery,”
Vallone said. “These new facilities
are top notch, and we look forward
to future major leaguers developing
their skills at Crocheron Park!”
Back in 2015, Vallone contributed
$850,000 to the $1,786,000 project along
with $86,000 from Mayor de Blasio
and $850,000 from former Borough
President Melinda Katz.
Following one and a half years of
construction, Field 3 was given a new
clay and sand infield and an outfield
with topsoil and natural turf. The outfield’s
steep terrain was corrected and
existing fences were repaired or replaced
along the field’s perimeter.
Also, the field received new access
gates and paths and dugouts were
made accessible and furnished with
new benches, backrests and arms.
Other accessibility features were created
in Field 2, where the existing
dugout gate was removed and replaced
with bollards to make it open and
accessible.
The renovations also included a
new section of bleachers, bottle filler
drinking fountains and a manual
irrigation system as well as a new
TIMESLEDGER | QNS.4 COM | APRIL 30-MAY 6, 2021
Councilman Paul Vallone, Borough President Donovan Richards, Queens Parks
Commissioner Michael Docket, Bayside Little League President Bob Reid and Friends
of Crocheron Park founder Jessica Burke. Photo courtesy of Vallone’s offi ce
canopy and plantings of new understory
trees.
“The baseball field renovations at
Crocheron Park have created a firstclass
recreational space where the Major
League Baseball players of tomorrow
can hone their skills and enjoy the
fun that only the national pastime can
bring,” said Richards. “These renovated
ballfields will be a true asset to the
Bayside community.”
The ballfield’s history dates back to
1924, when the city of New York bought
the land of the former Old Crocheron
House. In 1925, the Bayside Civic Association
requested the city purchase an
additional 45 acres for a public park.
Over a decade later, the park had become
a cherished green space with picnic
grounds, walkways, an enlarged
lake and thousands of trees.
“The ball fields at Crocheron Park
are heavily used by Bayside’s young
athletes,” said Commissioner Dockett.
“With these new amenities, Crocheron
Ballfields will better serve athletes
and the surrounding communities for
years to come.”
Reach reporter Jenna Bagcal by email
at jbagcal@schnepsmedia.com or
by phone at (718) 260-2583.
PLAY BALL!
Officials celebrate completed renovation
of Crocheron Park Little League Ballfields
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