Victory Is Declared As Revamp
Of Forest Park Field Is Finished !
A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the renovation of the ballfield at the Victory Field recreational complex in Forest Park on Tuesday. The $1.9 million project included the installation of artificial turf and new fencing, seating and surrounding landscape at one of Queens’ most popular baseball fields.
In addition to the new synthetic turf field, the NYC Parks Department replaced the aging concrete seating area with steel bleachers that give spectators a more comfortable space to watch games. In top photo, Mayor Michael Bloomberg tries on a baseball cap during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated ballfield in Forest Park. The $1.9 million project included the installation of artificial turf and new fencing, seating and surrounding landscape. In bottom, right photo, RGMVM Little League players try out the new diamond.
The new dugouts, backstop and a portable pitchers mound give the look of a professional baseball field, and the new picket fencing and landscaping has improved the area’s overall appearance.
The renovation was funded with $1.4 million in the Mayor’s capital budget and $500,000 allocated by City Council Member Dennis Gallagher.
Other Queens parks to receive this new generation of artificial turf fields include Juniper Valley and Linden parks. In the past three years, the Parks Department has installed 40 new synthetic turf fields. Also, 17 artificial fields are currently under construction and there are 20 projects in design.
Thanks to technological advances in material and design, the new generation of artificial turf fields play and feel like real grass. A layer of grass-like blades sits on a base of crushed rubber pebbles that makes for an extremely durable playing field. They offer excellent drainage, are easy to maintain, and are ideal for multi-use recreation fields.
The Parks Department’s first artificial turf field opened at Manhattan’s Chelsea Park in 1998.
“We are committed to creating and improving parks and recreational space throughout the five boroughs,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “By adding to and improving our more than 1,700 city parks and open spaces, we continue to make our city more livable for all New Yorkers. Using state-of-the-art synthetic turf to convert asphalt ballfields was one of my campaign promises, and we have expanded the initiative to also improve grass fields with poor drainage. This is the 40th new field the Parks Department has installed in the past three years, and currently has another 17 under construction. The renovated ballfield at Victory Field is another great park improvement for Queens and will provide enjoyment for ballplayers and residents of Woodhaven for years to come.”
“Forest Park is one of the great recreation resources in New York City. The renovation of this baseball field will greatly improve the experience of residents who play team sports here,” said Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “Not only has the new fencing and landscaping made the ballfield more attractive, but the new turf will allow us to keep the ballfield open more. I’d like to thank Forest Park Administrator Debbie Kuha for all she has done for this renovation and other recent improvements to the park.”
“I would like to thank Mayor Bloomberg, Parks Commissioner Benepe and Queens Parks Commissioner Richard Murphy for assisting in making this project a reality,” said Council Member Gallagher. “This new state-of-the-art ballfield is the wave of the future and will allow our children to play in a safe environment for years to come. Within the next few years, we will see substantial improvements to Forest Park, which will further enhance one of Queens County’s most vital parklands.”
The above was written and appeared in the Ridgewood Times.
