LOCAL GOVT

NYC announces $11.9 M in City Council Capital Funding for Eastern Queens Greenway

Friday, 11 Oct, 2024
(Photo provided by office of City Council)

Fresh Meadows: On October 9th, Councilmember Sandra Ung joined NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, and NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Jackie Langsam announced a total of $11.9 million in City Council capital funding in Fiscal Year 2025 to complete an additional section of the Eastern Queens Greenway in Fresh Meadows. 

“We are fortunate in Eastern Queens to have a number of amazing parks, but they remain disconnected from one another across much of Queens,” said Councilmember Sandra Ung. “The funding we are announcing today is in addition to the City Council capital funding already allocated the past two fiscal years to eventually create a seamless and safe path from Flushing Meadows to Alley Pond and beyond. These projects will increase access points to our open spaces, which in turn will make them safer for seniors, families, and those with mobility impairments. I want to thank NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams for recognizing the importance of our open spaces to our mental and physical well-being and the need to make them more accessible for all New Yorkers.”

“Our public parks are the lifeblood of our communities, offering New Yorkers vital spaces to connect with nature, each other, and ourselves,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The Eastern Queens Greenway is a transformative project that will expand access to these green spaces, providing a connected path for residents to walk, bike, and enjoy the outdoors. With today’s announcement of $11.9 million in City Council capital funding for the Kissena Corridor Park East in the city budget, we are taking an important step towards a healthier, more sustainable future for Queens. I thank Council Member Ung and community leaders who made their voices heard to advance these vital improvements.”

“Eastern Queens is about to get greener, healthier, and better connected, thanks to this generous funding for a new greenway route in Kissena Corridor Park! This beautifully landscaped new path will provide pedestrians and cyclists alike with a safe space to take in the great outdoors, explore our city’s public parks and natural areas, and connect with their neighbors,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “At Parks, we’re committed to expanding our citywide greenway route to ensure that all New Yorkers can enjoy all the benefits of accessible, well-maintained public spaces, from improved physical and mental health, to stronger, safer communities. I’m grateful to Speaker Adams and Councilmember Ung for their continued support of our public parks and greenways, and to our partners throughout government who help us build and maintain this critical living infrastructure.”


(Photo provided by office of City Council)


(Photo provided by office of City Council)

 

“Queens Community Board 11 applauds the cooperation of Speaker Adrienne Adams, Councilmember Sandra Ung, and New York City Parks Department to bring the benefits of the Destination: Greenways! project to our treasured local parks,” said Paul DiBenedetto, Chair of Community Board 11. “The planned Project 8 upgrades to Kissena Corridor Park East will improve the quality of recreation, sports, picnic areas and other family experiences, while also adding an all-important safe link to other Queens and NYC parks via enhanced pedestrian and bicycle routes. These quality of life improvements are wise investments, essential to the well-being of all New Yorkers who need to reconnect with outdoor experiences and the many benefits they have to offer.”

The FY2025 allocation will fund improvements to a portion of the Eastern Queens Greenway that runs through Kissena Corridor Park East, also known locally as Peck Park. The project will include a new greenway route, improved lighting, signage, seating, and new drinking fountains. 

Other enhancements will include a new fitness station, bicycle racks, repair stations, and a barbecue grove. A new on-street connection at 188th Street and 58th Avenue will create a safer access point for park and greenway users.

The $11.9 million is in addition to $6.25 million and $6 million in City Council capital funding that was allocated in FY2023 and FY2024, respectively, for Eastern Queens Greenway projects in nearby Kissena Park. Since 2022, the City Council has allocated over $24 million to enhance public open spaces in Councilmember Ung’s district.  

As envisioned in the NYC Parks’ Destination: Greenways! plan, when fully complete, the Eastern Queens Greenway will create a continuous connection between Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Alley Pond Park. Improvements to the greenway in Alley Pond Park will create a better connection to the Joe Michaels Mile, which runs along Little Neck Bay to Fort Totten and Little Bay Park.