NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Mike Dockett joined Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson, Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato, City Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, representatives from Community Board 14, and community members on Friday to officially break ground on the total renovation of Beach 59th Street Playground in Queens.

"We are thrilled to break ground on this total renovation of Beach 59th Street playground, which will uplift the community and bring new recreation opportunities to the neighborhood," said Commissioner Dockett. "Thanks to our Borough President and City Council, and with input from the community, this new playground will serve as a focal point for play, exploration, and fun for decades to come."

The project will reconstruct the children's play area to include new play equipment, safety surface, a new spray play area, drinking fountain, benches, game tables, security lighting and plantings. The renovated playground will also feature swings for both young and older children, a new shade structure providing much needed shade for parents, caregivers and other park visitors, and a new accessible ramp at the Beach 60th Street entrance. The playground design will feature imprints of fish and sea creatures stamped into the concrete pavement, offering opportunities for discovery and amusement.

"I'm thrilled to help break ground on the Beach 59th Street Playground renovation, a project I'm proud to have funded in my time as the local City Council member," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "This new and improved playground will offer our children and families in Arverne a better space to play and enjoy their community. I'm grateful to the Friends of Beach 59th Street Playground Association for their advocacy and our city partners for their work to get this project off the ground, and I can't wait to celebrate the playground's reopening once completed."

"I am proud to witness the fruits of local and community stewardship. It is my honor to extend congratulations to the Friends of Beach 59th Street Playground who worked tirelessly with government partners to have their vision of equitable recreation come to life. I look forward to working in collaboration across the board to preserve and strengthen our community to provide a brighter future across the peninsula," said Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson.

"The groundbreaking for this playground is a huge step forward for Arverne and our community. It will have something for everyone and be a beautiful addition to the Rockaway Peninsula. Credit for this project must go to the amazing community advocates who never stopped fighting for something that would be vital for the families of this community. Thank you to 'Friends of Beach 59 Street Playground Association' including the dynamic Florence Ferguson - because of their hard work they are making this playground a reality and we will all benefit from their hard work and determination," said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, our parks offered vital open spaces for families, children, and neighbors to convene and commune with each other," said NYC Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. "This $5 million investment of Beach 59th Street playground ensures Council District 31 families can continue to use the playground for years to come. This new construction will revitalize the entire community with an upgraded spray area, drinking fountain, and new play equipment for children to play right near the beach. I'm grateful for NYC Parks Commissioner Donoghue and Queen Borough Commissioner Dockett for stewarding this renovation and look forward to opening day."

State Senator James Sanders Jr. said: "This new playground is a welcome addition to the community, providing our children with a fun, safe, place to exercise and play. I applaud the city for making this important investment and I look forward to seeing the benefits of its creation flourish."

The $5 million Beach 59th Street Playground renovation project was made possible with $2.94 million from the Office of the Borough President, and $2 million from City Council.