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City Reopens Charybdis Playground in Astoria Park Following Major Upgrade

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and former Councilmember Costa Constantinides join local leaders to reopen Charybdis Playground in Astoria Park last week. (Photo courtesy NYC Parks/Daniel Avila)

Sept. 28, 2021 By Christian Murray

City officials held a ribbon cutting event at a children’s playground in Astoria Park last week to mark the completion of a $30 million revamp of the 60-acre park.

The officials held the event at Charybdis Playground, where the city has just completed a $12.5 million overhaul of the children’s play area—located inside Astoria Park—that includes new equipment and a spray shower. The city is also revamping the comfort station at the playground that is expected to be completed this winter.

“We’re delighted to celebrate the tremendous transformation of Charybdis Playground, one of Astoria’s most cherished greenspaces,” said NYC Parks Acting Commissioner Nelson last Wednesday. “With new play equipment and an interactive spray play area that incorporates a piece of this historic park’s past, Charybdis Playground is better equipped to serve Astoria for generations to come.”

Elected officials held a ribbon cutting event last Wednesday to celebrate the reopening of Charybdis Playground in Astoria Park (Photo courtesy NYC Parks/Daniel Avila)

The reconstruction of Charybdis Playground represents the second phase of a $30 million project to upgrade Astoria Park. The first phase was completed in October 2019 and included a new, 8-lane track that surrounds a brand new synthetic soccer turf.

The $30 million revamp was part of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Anchor Park Initiative that was launched in August 2016. Under the program, $150 million was allocated to improve five large parks—one in each borough. The parks were selected based on historical underinvestment, high surrounding population, and potential for park development.

“Having access to first-class parks and recreational facilities is important to the families of Queens and I am glad to see the ongoing major upgrade to our borough’s park system,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.