New skate park opens in Laurelton Playground
BY BILL PARRY
Officials cut the ribbon on the
brand new Laurelton Playground
Skate Park and City Councilman Donovan
Richards showed off some of his
skateboard skills.
“Every community deserves quality
park space that provides residents
with a diverse set of opportunities for
exercise, relaxation and entertainment,”
Richards said. “The new Laurelton
Playground Skate Park will
awaken and energize all of the potential
skaters in our community who
unsurprisingly come out in full force
once they have a new, high-quality
environment to enjoy skating safely.
Every resident will also be able to enjoy
the fitness equipment and social
seating area, making this playground
an exciting improvement for the
surrounding community.”
Bounded by Laurelton Parkway,
136th Avenue, Brookville Boulevard
and 137th Avenue, the Laurelton
Playground Skate Park was funded
with $1.1 million from Richards
and $600,000 from Queens Borough
President Melinda Katz.
“We are excited to expand recreational
opportunities and provide new
amenities for the Laurelton community
to enjoy,” NYC Parks Queens Borough
Commissioner Michael Dockett
City Councilman Donavan Richards tries out the skateboard run at the brand new
Laurelton Playground Skate Park. Courtesy of Malcolm Pinckney/NYC Parks
said, “I am proud to cut the ribbon on
this brand new skate park. Thanks to
funding from Borough President Katz
and Council Member Richards, people
of all ages will make new use of this
vital greenspace, which will serve the
area for many years to come.”
The new park was designed to
serve users with a broad range of
skills. The site now features a skate
island, seat wall, drinking fountain
and enhanced landscape.
“This new, top-notch skate park,
fitness path and exercise equipment
are welcome additions to Laurelton
and will be enjoyed by local residents
for many years to come,” Katz
said. “It has been a privilege to work
with Council Member Richards and
NYC Parks on making this fantastic
skate park and fitness area a reality,
because everyone deserves highquality
parks and playgrounds where
they can have fun and be physically
active.”
The project features Parks Without
Borders design elements that extend
the park into the community.
“Skaters and park-goers in southeast
Queens will finally have a refuge
in their own community for honing
their skills,” state Senator Leroy
Comrie said. “I commend Commissioner
Dockett and the NYC Parks
Department for their commitment to
diversifying the types of recreational
amenities available to residents
Southeast Queens and enhancing our
greenspaces.”
Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman
praised Dockett and her colleague in
government for creating a space open
to all.
“Being able to feel a part of the
community while you’re in the community
is a vital experience for all
who reside or visit,” Hyndman said.
“I believe this is another path towards
that goal. Congratulations to all.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail
at bparry@schnepsmedia.com or by
phone at (718) 260–4538.
THE POWER TO
TRACK YOUR ENERGY
We’re installing smart meters across New York, giving
you the power to stay on top of your energy use.
Learn how your new smart meter can help you save
energy and money at conEd.com/SmartMeters
TIMESLEDGER,QNS.COM NOV. 1-7, 2019 23
/TIMESLEDGER,QNS.COM
/SmartMeters
link
link