You are reading

Parks Officials Join Local Leaders to Cut the Ribbon on New Synthetic Turf Field in Jackson Heights Playground

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)

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Fall fun in western Queens: Your guide to the best seasonal events

Aug. 29, 2025 By Jessica Militello

With beach days and summer BBQs behind us, the start of September rings in the start of magnificent Fall foliage, Halloween and more fun activities that come with the start of Autumn, including a list of Fall events in the area. From apple picking to seasonal ciders and more, there is tons to explore in the community. From Mystic Markets to scary movie meet-ups and more, here is a list of Fall events you do not want to miss.

A hidden gem in Sunnyside: Bistro Punta Sal blends Peruvian and Italian flavors

Aug. 29, 2025 By Jessica Militello

On a quiet street in Sunnyside, Bistro Punta Sal has its French doors wide open, letting the late August breeze emanate throughout the space, which is ornate with flowers, paintings and an array of tables and chairs for intimate dinners with friends or a romantic date night. The cozy restaurant, located at 45-51 46th St., is a hidden gem in the neighborhood that is just waiting to be discovered, as the sights and aromas of the restaurant invite guests in. 

Off-duty paramedic spots South Richmond Hill two-alarm house fire that injures nine firefighters, two civilians on Friday morning: FDNY

Nine firefighters were injured, two of them seriously, and two civilians sustained minor injuries during a two-alarm house fire in South Richmond Hill on Friday morning, but it could have been worse if not for the actions of an off-duty veteran EMT.

Paramedic Craig Biscuiti was driving to work when he noticed a column of thick black smoke and heavy flames coming from the first floor of a two-story home at 95-36 111th St. just before 7:10 a.m.

Astoria doctor sentenced to more than two decades in prison for rape and sexual abuse: DA

An Astoria doctor was sentenced to 24 years in prison on Thursday in Queens Supreme Court for raping unconscious acquaintances and sexually abusing hospital patients.

Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng, 35, of Broadway, pleaded guilty on June 30 to four counts of rape in the first degree and three counts of sexual abuse in the first degree in satisfaction of the consolidated indictments against him. He additionally entered an Alford plea to one count of sexual abuse. The defendant — a former gastroenterologist at New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital — recorded the abuse of his unconscious victims with his cell phone in both his Astoria apartment and at the hospital.