Rockaway playground opens after $8 million extreme makeover by NYC Parks

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Elected officials and Arverne community leaders cut the ribbon on an $8.1 million total reconstruction of Almeda Playground at Beach 66th Street on Tuesday, May 12.

As part of the Community Parks Initiative, the public space has been completely renovated with upgraded features and amenities funded by Mayor Bill de Blasio.

The playground now features a more inclusive play area, an outdoor classroom, spray showers, an adult fitness area, basketball and handball courts, shaded seating areas and more. As requested by the community, the project also enhanced the playground’s greenery with a robust planting palette.

“Almeda Playground is a treasured community resource in Arverne, so I’m pleased that this extensive and much-needed reconstruction of the playground has been completed,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who grew up in the nearby Ocean Village apartments. “All children deserve access to first-class play space, and the Community Parks Initiative has succeeded in creating such a space here at Almeda Playground and at so many other parks throughout the borough and the city. I thank Mayor de Blasio and NYC Parks, led by Commissioner Silver, for putting high-quality open space where they can safely play, gather and enjoy the outdoors.”