NYCHA - Baisley Playground Ground Breaking 20140416

NYC Housing Authority


Press Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2014
Contact: media@nycha.nyc.gov, (212) 306-3322

NYCHA Joins NYC Council Member Wills to Break Ground on New Basketball Court and Playground at Baisley Park Houses in Queens

Existing basketball court and play area will receive a complete overhaul for the benefit of the youth at Baisley Park and the surrounding community

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and New York City Council Member Ruben Wills today broke ground on the renovation of the basketball court and playground at Baisley Park Houses in Queens. NYCHA is able to renovate these recreational areas thanks to elected officials such as Council Member Wills, who advocated for the residents and worked with the Authority to help secure federal funding for this project.

“We are so pleased to partner with Council Member Wills to renovate these recreational areas and provide a safer, more enjoyable space for our children and community,” said NYCHA Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye. “These important renovations will support a stronger and healthier Baisley Park community.”

“Our children can look forward to using a brand new facility with fully upgraded amenities this summer, giving young people a much needed and safe recreational space for engagement in positive activities,” said Council Member Wills. “This project and partnership highlights the rigorous efforts NYCHA has invested to improve the lives of public housing residents. The efficiency, turn around and engagement of residents on this project was commendable and should be a model used for future endeavors.”

“I am sure that the young people of Baisley Houses are looking forward to the upgrading of their basketball courts and to the many happy hours of enjoyment playing their favorite game basketball,” said New York State Assemblywoman Vivian Cook.

“First, the South Jamaica Houses basketball court upgrade…Now we’re ready to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Baisley Houses basketball court,“ said Adrienne E. Adams, Chair of Community Board 12. “This structure will not only benefit the residents of the Baisley Houses, but it promises to significantly enhance means of recreation for the entire surrounding Jamaica community. This improvement has been a long time coming and we are more than happy to see it finally come to fruition.”

At a cost of approximately $590,000, the project entails the complete overhaul and modernization of the old courts and play area. The renovated basketball court will include new chain link fencing, benches, bleachers, basketball posts, backboards, hoops, trash receptacles and it will be repaved. The playground, which includes a spray shower area, will receive new play equipment, safety surfacing, new benches, and the color surface of the spray shower area will be shaped like a fish, among other amenities.

The residents were involved at every stage of project’s development. NYCHA conducted town hall meetings and open forums and incorporated their feedback into the plans for the new court and play area.

“I want to thank Council Member Ruben Wills, who has been consistent in listening and helping the men and women in council district 28. Many of the residents have waited an extended period of time and will now witness the fruits of their patience and persistence with this newly renovated playground and outdoor basketball facility,” said Baisley Park Houses Resident Association President Robert Hogan. “The Councilman and NYCHA have displayed a level of service which can be characterized as respectful and it is greatly appreciated.”

Construction on the new basketball court and play area is expected to be completed before year’s end. Baisley Park Houses is home to approximately 1,000 NYCHA Residents.