Torched Alley Pond Park Playground Reopens

The Alley Pond Park playground reopened late last week after having been shuttered in September .

Councilman Mark Weprin, D-Oakland Gardens, who obtained funds to repair the playground, joined Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski and local leaders Friday to reopen the site.

“It is a shame that the community had to go for several months without this playground, but I am pleased that the Alley Pond Park’s children’s playground is open for business once again,” Weprin said.

A total $175,000 was spent to replace the playground equipment, which was damaged during an overnight fire on Sept. 28.

City Department of Parks and Recreation officials believe that the fire was an act of arson, but no arrests have been made in the incident.

The playground is located in Alley Pond Park at the intersection of Springfield Boulevard and 76th Ave. in Oakland Gardens.

Weprin said thousands of northeast Queens children use the playground each year.