Press Releases

NYC PARKS CELEBRATES THE RIBBON CUTTING FOR FRANCIS LEWIS PARK SPORTS COATING PROJECT AND THE COMPLETION OF RESTORED TRAILS IN POWELL’S COVE PARK

Revitalization in Queens continues with the repainting of basketball courts in Francis Lewis Park

Refurbished trails in Powell’s Cove provide an inviting waterside respite for visitors seeking to connect with nature

On Tuesday, July 15th, NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa was joined by Councilperson Vickie Paladino and members of the Queens community to celebrate the newly repainted basketball courts in Francis Lewis Park, as well as the updated trails at nearby Powell’s Cove.

“With renovated recreation spaces in Francis Lewis Park and replenished pathways in Powell’s Cove, Queens residents can enjoy improved amenities while staying active outside this summer,” said NYC Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. “Thanks to the continued support of Councilwoman Vickie Paladino and the work of NYC Parks, Francis Lewis Park has freshly painted basketball courts, joining the recently reconstructed memorial plaza and added pickleball court in this beautifully revamped jewel by the water. In nearby Powell’s Cove Park, the restored pathways that meander through the park allow visitors a safe, clean space to connect with nature right in their own backyard.”

"Our parks are the true jewels of District 19, and we’re fortunate to have such vibrant green spaces for our community to enjoy,” said Queens Councilmember Vickie Paladino. “Revitalizing these parks has been a top priority for me since taking office, and I’m grateful to have strong partners like Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa and the entire Parks Department team. These improvements will provide outstanding facilities for generations to come, and I’m proud to support this work with funding from my office. I know our residents are excited to make the most of these spaces this summer."

The updated sports coating at Francis Lewis Park builds upon the continued renovations taking place in the park. The highly-frequented and much-loved basketball courts were freshly painted just in time for summer pickup games. This arrives on the heels of a recent $1 million reconstruction of the plaza in Francis Lewis Park, which included a new granite flagpole base, colored pavers, new benches, game tables, and plantings. Last year, the park saw the addition of a new Pickleball court which revamped an underused portion of the park underneath the bridge.

The work at nearby Powell’s Cove Park restored the path with fresh bluestone gravel, mitigating overgrowth and allowing visitors and nature enthusiasts a pleasurable space to walk and enjoy the quiet waterside corner in Whitestone. Work from the Coastal Preservation Network with support from Councilwoman Vickie Paladino and the NYC Parks department ensures that this space will be a destination for relaxation for years to come.