Nov. 1, 2023 By Bill Parry
Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the completion of a $17.8 million project to construct Maspeth Park, located within walking distance from surrounding residential neighborhoods including Sunnyside and Blissville. It is the first park to be built in the western portion of Maspeth.
The park was built on nearly one acre of underdeveloped land that was previously used by the state as a staging area during the construction of the new Kosciuszko Bridge, which opened in 2019.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the completion of the $17.8 million Maspeth Park project on an underdeveloped acre alongside the Kosciuszko Bridge. Photo courtesy of Gov. Hochul’s office
“The completion of this project emphasizes our dedication to improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers by updating our transportation infrastructure and providing amenities for all to enjoy,” Hochul said. “This milestone is another step toward building a better New York and improving connectivity between boroughs.”
The park is located adjacent to the Kosciuszko Bridge at the intersection of 43rd Street and 54th Road.
“Our community has needed more green spaces, and the arrival of Maspeth Park couldn’t have come at a better time,” Council Member Robert Holden said. “Thanks to the governor and all involved for making this dream a reality.”
The park features a basketball court that will also serve as a multi-purpose venue with nighttime lighting and bleacher seating, a skate plaza designed for all skill levels, and a new building to house NYC Park’s district operations, consisting of an office and garage for maintenance and operations staff, with public restrooms, a new driveway for maintenance workers, sidewalks, curbs and drainage infrastructure for the facility.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the completion of the $17.8 million Maspeth Park project on an underdeveloped acre alongside the Kosciuszko Bridge. Photo courtesy of Gov. Hochul’s office
“This investment in high-quality park space will bring much-needed greenspace to Queens and ensure that people in Maspeth, Sunnyside, Blissville and surrounding neighborhoods have a place where they can gather with family and friends, exercise or just enjoy the outdoors free of charge,” U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez said.
Construction included new sidewalks along the outside of the park that lead to the Kosciuszko Bridge’s bicycle and pedestrian path. This path connects to the new greenway under the bridge in Brooklyn.
“This recreation space is a long-overdue addition to the Maspeth neighborhood and I am glad the work is finally done,” state Sen. Michael Gianaris said. “ I was proud to advocate for this project and look forward to joining our community members enjoying the space soon.”
Local community leaders were pleased that the project has finally been completed.
“It’s great to see a vacant space transformed into a park for local residents,” said Roe Dario of Communities of Maspeth and Elmhurst Together. “The trees and other plants will help with the environment especially since the park is near an expressway.”
Community Board 2 Chair Danielle Brecker said local residents had advocated for the park for years.
“We are thrilled that our advocacy along with that of Sen. Gianaris has finally made it a reality and area residents who have gone far too long without enough green and park space will be able to be in community together with this new park,” Brecker said.
In the small community of Blissville, residents have been starved for park space, using Calvary Cemetery as a substitute for generations.
“The Blissville community located in southeast Long Island City, just on the other side of the cemetery from these parks, is very pleased to see their completion. It’s a dream come true,” Blissville Civic Association Secretary Tom Mituzas said. “Pedestrians and cyclists who traverse the Kosciuszko Bridge,along with the residents of Laurel Hill and nearby south Sunnyside, via the 43rd Street underpass, and Blissville, via Review Avenue, will now have a park within walking distance where they can rest, play or exercise. We are thrilled and above all filled with much gratitude. Thank you.”