Sanders, Richards, Welcome New Cardozo Playground to Far Rockaway

Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway), City Council Member Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton, Far Rockaway) and NYC Parks Department officials, yesterday welcomed the new Cardozo Playground adjacent to Goldie Maple Academy in Arverne with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

During his time as a City Council Member, Senator Sanders  allocated $2 million in funding for the renovations and Council Member Richards contributed an additional $1 million to fully fund the project and bring it to fruition. The space features an Olympic-size track and field, volley ball and tennis courts, chess tables,  painted games like hop scotch and skully and playground equipment including slides and other amenities. Planting areas have been added for some greenery, and there are also two new drinking fountains, to keep park goers hydrated as they enjoy all of the activities. 

Senator Sanders said: "I remember a time when this was a barren space. It was in such a bad state that the teachers were using it to park their cars. There was no real place for the children to play or exercise and enjoy themselves. I had a vision of an Olympic-size track and field, basketball courts, tennis – a space that could be used by everyone. I gathered with community leaders, the school’s principal and the parent association and after many years of struggle we made the impossible, possible. Now, we have a place in a community, which is rated among the most obese, that will serve as an oasis of recreation and physical fitness.  I want to thank Council Member Richards for sharing my vision and allocating $1 million in funding towards the completion of this project. I would also like to thank the Parks Department and School Construction Authority for their hard work."

Council Member Richards said: “I remember not too long ago, that this beautiful park right here was a barren slab of concrete where teachers parked their cars and now children and seniors from Ocean Bay, Arverne View and nearby homes have a place to relax, unwind, and be active. These communities now have a park to be proud of and to appreciate. Health and Wellness can now be a focus of our community. I’d like to thank Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver, Bryan McGinn from SCA, Senator James Sanders Jr. and all of our local residents who remind me every day about the need for more park space in the Rockaways.”