The Parks Department recently celebrated the total reconstruction of Almeda Playground, an $8.1 million project funded through the Community Parks Initiative (CPI), the city program aimed at building a more equitable park system.
Almeda Playground has been completely renovated with upgraded features and amenities. This playground now features a more inclusive play area, outdoor classroom, spray showers, 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.
Launched in October 2014, CPI is the Parks Department’s first major equity initiative that includes a multi-faceted investment in smaller public parks located in the cCity’s densely populated and growing neighborhoods with higher-than-average concentrations of poverty.
“Since its launch, the Community Parks Initiative has taken transformative steps towards creating a more accessible parks system for all New Yorkers,” said Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver. “It’s outstanding to see these underused spaces transformed into community assets.”
Almeda Playground, located on the Rockaway peninsula, is named for nearby Almeda Avenue. The area was spotted by Henry Hudson in 1609 and served as home to a small tribe of Canarsie Indians.
The playground opened in 1965, and serves as a recreational space for the students of P.S. 42 and the surrounding neighborhoods.
“The coronavirus pandemic has underscored the need for access to fresh air and recreational resources,” said Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers. “As a mom myself, I understand firsthand how important it is for us to have a safe space for our children to exert energy and make new friends.”
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