Senator Avella Allocates $200,000 for Cunningham Park

Funds will be used to provide shade over the existing Bocce Court

(Bayside, Queens), Today, State Senator Tony Avella was glad to announce a $200,000 funding allocation to the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to be used for the installation of an awning over the existing Bocce Court in Cunningham Park.

DPR has long requested the awning to provide the players with shade as they enjoy the popular game during hot summer months.  The court, located on Union Turnpike at 196^th Street, is also regularly used for Bocce tournaments.

Senator Avella obtained the monies as part of the Executive Budget after joining the Independent Democratic Conference and has vowed to advocate for additional funding for his District come January.  The allocation comes as part of a total $2 million he obtained specifically for Parks in the 11^th Senate District this year. 

Senator Avella stated, “The sport of bocce has been growing in terms of popularity over the years, especially among the older generation. So it is certainly bothersome to have built such a beautiful Bocce court and not equip it with an awning to make the game more comfortable during the warm weather. That is why being able to allocate funding for the betterment of all park goes is extremely gratifying.  It always gives me great pleasure to assist my constituents and I am glad to have allocated the funds for some much needed shade. A Bocce fan myself, I am looking forward to coming back to the transformed court in the near future.”