The East Elmhurst Playground will receive a $ 4.6 million renovation to accommodate active and passive recreational activities. On April 8, 2021, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver announced the new $ 4.6 million renovation of the Gorman Playground located on 25th Avenue and 84th Street in East Elmhurst. The project received funding for the renovation from the former Council member Costa Constantinides before he left office.

Gorman Playground was originally called the Jackson Heights Model Playground, but was renamed in honor of Denis P. Gorman after his death in 1963. Denis P. Gorman was a community advocate who devoted his time to providing Queens youth recreational facilities. Gorman was directly involved in the construction of what has become Gorman Playground. Gorman also had a political career as the leader of the Jackson Heights Democratic District.

The new renovations will enhance the park to allow active and passive recreational activities. New play equipment will be installed for children aged 5 to 12. New equipment includes swings, power showers, game tables and benches. The playground will also have new asphalt paths and plantations to improve the landscape.

Reconstruction is expected to begin in the fall of 2021.

New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Silver said, “Thanks to the invaluable input from the public, the Gorman playground will be completely transformed with new and improved amenities that reflect the vision of the community. surrounding. We are excited to present these models to local residents and look forward to restoring this playground for the enjoyment of children, families and residents of East Elmhurst.

Former Council Member Costa Constantinides said: “Poor planning in the past limited the space of the Jackson Heights and East Elmhurst parks, so it is essential to take care of the parks and playgrounds that we have there. This is why I am so happy that we were able to provide the community with this design for a beautiful new playground that was designed in partnership with the neighborhood. I would like to thank Commissioner Mitchell Silver for his support of all of our community parks.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. said, “The creative design unveiled today for Gorman Playground could not have been developed without the important and valuable input from residents of the surrounding community. With their valuable ideas and feedback, their children will soon be able to enjoy a playground that has been transformed into a premium recreational space that will delight the children of East Elmhurst for decades to come. We can’t wait to see this exciting design come true. “

Through: Patrick mcneill (Patrick is the CityLaw intern and a student at New York Law School, class of 2022.)