June 20, 2018 By Christian Murray
Officials held a ceremonial ground breaking yesterday at a Corona Park that has undergone a $3.2 million upgrade.
Louis Simeone Park, a 1.8-acre park located off Radcliff Avenue, has been transformed into a park with a host of new amenities—including a new playground for tots and older children, a spray shower, new swings, and fitness equipment for adults.
The revamp also includes a walking path around the perimeter of the park, new benches, additional plantings, new drainage and fencing.
Construction began in November 2016 and the project was completed in January. The project was funded with $2.2 million from Mayor de Blasio’s office and an additional $960,000 from the City Council.
The park was listed as one of 10 Queens parks to be reconstructed under the Community Parks Initiative, where funds were set aside to invest in parks in densely populate areas with higher-than-average concentrations of poverty,
“Louis Simeone Park provides an invaluable place for our community, where parents can make memories with their children and residents can take their pick of the amenities — whether it’s working out or relaxing,” said Council Member Francisco Moya.
The overhaul includes the removal of fences from the north, south, and west sides of the park as a means to create a more inviting experience, according to the Parks Dept.
Meanwhile, a new entrance has been added from Strong Avenue, which was previously closed.
Shorter fences enclose the playground and adjacent planted areas. The existing drainage system has been reconstructed, and can now help intercept storm water runoff from the adjacent streets, according to the Parks Dept.
This park is named in honor of Louis F. Simeone, a local activist who was a member of Community Board 4, Community School Board 24 and the Lions Club. He died in 1984.
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