Press Releases

NYC PARKS CUTS RIBBON ON THE RECONSTRUCTION OF LAURELTON PLAYGROUND

A $4.1 million capital project revamped the popular community playground in the heart of Queens

Today, NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Jacqueline Langsam joined Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, City Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers and community members to cut the ribbon on the newly reconstructed Laurelton Playground in Queens.

A $4.1 million total investment, funded with $4 million from City Council, and $129,000 from the Adams’ Administration, transformed the playground and surrounding greenspace with new playground equipment, improved ramps and accessibility features, spray showers, and much more.

“Playgrounds are an essential part of summer, and we are so excited to have the beautifully reconstructed Laurelton Playground back as a centerpiece of this community,” said NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Jacqueline Langsam. “Thanks to funding from then City Councilman Donovan Richards, the City Council, and the Mayor’s Office, Laurelton Park has been outfitted with new playground equipment for children of all ages, along with accessible entryways and critical infrastructure improvements. We can’t wait to see people enjoy this beautiful neighborhood amenity.

"The families of Laurelton have long deserved a state-of-the-art open space to call their own, and that's exactly what we are proudly delivering today with the reimagined Laurelton Playground," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "From new spray showers for play in the summer heat to new game tables and more, Laurelton Playground is the newest, brightest crown jewel of this community and I look forward to seeing families from across the neighborhood flock here. I'm proud to have allocated funding to make this possible and I'm grateful to all our government partners for their efforts."

“Laurelton families deserve public spaces that reflect the vibrancy, resilience, and unity of our community—and this newly renovated playground is a shining example,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “I’m proud to partner with NYC Parks and Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. to deliver a safe, modern space where our children can grow, learn, and thrive. This project is more than just a playground—it’s a lasting investment in the health, happiness, and future of the families in our district.”

The upgraded playground features brand-new play equipment for all ages, with separate jungle gyms for children aged 2 to 5 and 5 to 12-years-old. Additionally, the playground features a tot area for the playground's youngest visitors, focusing on features which assist children while they learn to walk and balance. Benches are situated nearby to give caregivers easy access to assist their children and play with the peek-a-boo and store-window play areas.

The reconstruction also prioritized safety enhancements, relocating the entrance toward the nearest crosswalk at 136th Street, in addition to providing a safe area for seating and bike parking. A stand of mature Honey Locust trees provides welcome shade for park visitors, ready to keep children and adults cool in the summer months.

Additional infrastructure improvements to the park include new water and sewer connections, a brand-new drinking fountain, and new security lighting with bright LED bulbs. These updates transform Laurelton Playground into a destination for community connection.