Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $17.8 million project to construct Maspeth Park, the first park to be built in the western portion of Maspeth in Queens. The park, completed on schedule, is located within walking distance from surrounding residential neighborhoods, including Sunnyside and West Maspeth. The park includes numerous benefits for visitors to enjoy, such as a recreational area comprised of game tables, picnic tables, a basketball court, and adult fitness equipment. A new world-class skate plaza, designed for all skill levels, has also been constructed. The plaza provides professional sports lighting so that events can be held after dark. The basketball court will also serve as a multi-purpose venue with nighttime lighting and bleacher seating. Events will be held throughout the year and run by New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. The park was built on nearly one acre of underdeveloped land that was previously used by the state as a staging area during the construction of the new Kosciuszko Bridge, which was completed in 2019. The park is located adjacent to the Kosciuszko Bridge at the intersection of 43rd Street and 54th Road.
“The completion of this project emphasizes our dedication to improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers by updating our transportation infrastructure and providing amenities for all to enjoy,” Governor Hochul said. “This milestone is another step towards building a better New York and improving connectivity between boroughs.”
Construction includes new sidewalks along the outside of the park that lead to the Kosciuszko Bridge’s bicycle and pedestrian path. This path connects to the new greenway under the bridge in Brooklyn.
Other updates include LED lighting and drinking fountains throughout the park, public restrooms, a new driveway for maintenance workers, sidewalks, curbs, and drainage infrastructure for the facility. A new building was also constructed to house NYCDPR’s district operations, consisting of an office and garage for maintenance and operations staff. A “green roof” consisting of plants has been installed on the building to improve air quality and energy efficiency, capture stormwater, and reduce urban heat.
New York State Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Similar to the renovation and expansion of the Sergeant William Dougherty Park on the Brooklyn side of the Kosciuszko Bridge, the state has created Maspeth Park to serve as a much-needed community space and recreational area on the Queens side of the bridge. This park underscores Governor Hochul’s commitment to ensuring that transportation projects are designed to enhance quality of life for local residents.”
Representative Nydia Vazquez said, “I’m thrilled by the announcement of the completion of Maspeth Park, which will boast a large recreational area, a multipurpose basketball court, a state-of-the-art skate park, and many other amenities for the people of Queens to enjoy. This investment in high-quality park space will bring much-needed greenspace to Queens and ensure that people in Maspeth, Sunnyside, Blissville and surrounding neighborhoods have a place where they can gather with family and friends, exercise, or just enjoy the outdoors free of charge,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez. “I’d like to thank Governor Hochul, the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, and all the other city leaders that worked so hard to turn the vision of Maspeth Park into a reality.”
State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris said, "This recreation space is a long-overdue addition to the Maspeth neighborhood, and I am glad the work is finally done. I was proud to advocate for this project and look forward to joining our community members enjoying the space soon."
Councilmember Robert Holden said, “Our community has needed more green spaces, and the arrival of Maspeth Park couldn't have come at a better time. Thanks to the governor and all involved for making this dream a reality!”