Do to the fast changing weather conditions we’re not planning on doing a bike ride this month (but feel free to go out yourself if the sky looks clear). However, since the Department of Parks is planning some projects in Eastern Queens, now is the time to tell them how to design it for the neighborhood.

Peck Park (Kissena Corridor Park East)

The new Eastern Queens Greenway path is going through Peck Park, and we want to make it as safe and enjoyable as possible. We always suggested routing it along the outfields so baseball spectators don’t have conflicts with greenway users. Also we’d love to have a bike counter in the park to see the usage. At a recent meeting we heard a great idea of having a pump track in the park; there is more then enough room for it in the east side. You can see some of our comments, but send your own to the project team here to make sure this path is built right.

Ella Fitzgerald Playground

Yes, this is inside Peck Park, but it’s a separate project from the greenway connection. This upgrade is only for the playground section east of the flagpole, so mainly the music area, the handball courts, and the basketball/hockey area.

Top of the list is to fix the flooding issue, but that’s already well known. We’re proposing to turn the hockey area (which for years hasn’t work for hockey since it’s not level) into a level combined hockey/soccer small court. If it’s level and there are built in nets, then it should get a lot more use by both sports. Flatter ground will also be better for the people who use that space for dancing.

This will be right next to the greenway, so do you think there should be bike racks and water bottle fillers here? What would entice you to take the ride here?

Also, we know the music area is taking up a bit of space, but it’s important to have unique things in our parks to make them interesting destinations. Instead of destroying it, why not add some more cool things to it so it’s really special for local kids. What do you think they should add to that space, maybe something music related to the park’s namesake? Tell the design team with your comments here.

(Online Comment Period Ends June 29)

Queens Farm Park Creedmoor Natural Turf Soccer

Just past the eastern end of the Eastern Queens Greenway is the Creedmoor Soccer fields. Although a bit hidden, these fields do get a some use from the community. How can we improve them to be more inviting? Maybe a dedicated bike path to them with some bike parking and a shaded area to take a break? We can’t let areas like this be only accessible by car, since so many of our younger neighbors who would use this space don’t have drivers licenses! Every part of public space in NYC should be for everyone.

Leave your comments here to really improve this space that right now most neighbors don’t even know exists.

(Online Comment Period Ends July 08)