On Tuesday July 19, 2011, Council Member Elizabeth S. Crowley (D-30, Queens), Parks Department Borough Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski community leaders and park users gathered to celebrate the opening of the recently renovated handball courts at Juniper Valley Park.
At the ribbon-cutting, athletes of all ages tested out the new playing area and enjoyed the afternoon in the park. Between handball and paddleball, these courts are one of the most heavily used features of Juniper Valley Park. People of all ages come to play and now they will be able to play on newly renovated, top notch courts.
The refurbished courts were financed using discretionary funds from Council Member Crowley. Borough Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski and the Queens Parks Department coordinated the construction which included blasting and refurbishing the wall as well as completely redoing the concrete ground that make up the courts.
Council Member Elizabeth Crowley (D- 30, Queens) stated: “As a Council Member I have always believed it is important to find the funds in the City’s budget for local neighborhood projects. Our parks add value to the neighborhood and provide a healthy outlet for community residents of all ages. The handball courts at Juniper Valley Park were in poor condition for a very long time. Now, with this renovation, locals can play on a clean, durable court which they can be proud of.”
Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski stated: “Thanks to $300,000 allocated by Council Member Crowley, Parks was able to renovate the 10 popular handball and paddleball courts at Juniper Valley Park. The walls were resurfaced, a new gate and fencing was added to keep the balls within the playing area. The courts also have a new windscreen,” said Queens Parks Commissioner Lewandowski. “Handball and paddleball is enjoyed by park users of all ages and the summer is the perfect time to get out and play!”
In 2008 Council Member Elizabeth Crowley was elected to represent the 30th Council District covering the Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, and Woodhaven neighborhoods. Elizabeth was the first female and first Democrat elected to represent that seat. She has chaired the Fire & Criminal Justice Services Committee since January 2010 which oversees the Fire Department, Department of Correction, Department of Probation, and Criminal Justice Coordinator’s Office.
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