The schoolyard behind PS 69 in Jackson Heights has now been converted into a public playground. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Schools Chancellor Dennis M. Walcott, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe and others were in attendance at the opening of the new park last week.
The park behind PS 69 comes complete with a basketball court and brand new swing and slide set. The pavement has been freshly smoothed over and contains bright colorful markings. The playground was designed with input from the local school community, including students and teachers.
The opening of the park comes under the city's "Schoolyard to Playground" initiative, or PLaNYC. The goal of this initiative is to make sure all New Yorkers live within a 10 minute walk from a park or playground. To do that the city has gone about renovating old schoolyards so that they become newly refurbished playgrounds open to the public during non-school hours. Such hours include after-school times on weekdays and from morning till evening during weekends and holidays/summer breaks.
The playground behind PS 69 is the 200th new playspace to be opened so far. PLaNYC's goal is to eventually convert 230 schoolyards into playgrounds by the year 2013. Right now 71% of New Yorkers live within a short walking distance from a park or playground.
It is hoped that PLaNYC will help accomplish the city's following long-term objectives:
1). To bring recreational opportunities and some much needed green space to NYC's most underserved neighborhoods.
2). To use efficiently the city's most underused resources (like public schoolyards) in the most cost-effective way possible.
3). To play a part in encouraging positive health and fitness habits within young New Yorkers.
To visit the new park, go to PS 69 located at:
77-02 37th Avenue Jackson Heights, NY 11372
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