Press Releases

NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Jacqueline Langsam yesterday joined New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., and members of the Queens community to cut the ribbon on three newly reconstructed basketball courts at Rochdale Park.

"These upgraded basketball courts will serve as a tremendous asset for players and families in Rochdale Village and throughout the South Jamaica community," said NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Jacqueline Langsam. "Modern recreational facilities like these foster community connections and encourage active lifestyles for residents of all ages. We're proud to deliver these improvements that will benefit this neighborhood for generations to come."

"Neighborhood parks are vital to our physical and mental health, providing residents with spaces to play, exercise, and thrive,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. "I'm proud to have allocated nearly $3 million with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards to renovate the basketball courts at Rochdale Park and deliver new amenities for our community. These improvements are a reflection of our commitment to strengthening Southeast Queens for the people who call it home. With this investment, generations of Rochdale Village families can enjoy this park for years to come.”

"To see the basketball courts I played on every single day as a kid be so beautifully transformed in this manner is a slam dunk for the families of Rochdale Village," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "I'm deeply grateful to NYC Parks and Speaker Adams for their partnership in bringing this $3.35 million investment in Rochdale Village come to life, and I look forward to shooting around with the future basketball superstars of Southeast Queens for years to come."

The recently completed capital project fully reconstructed the park's existing basketball courts, transforming the recreational facilities to better serve the surrounding community. The project removed and replaced the existing asphalt with new asphalt and color seal coat, creating one intermediate basketball court in the center and two junior basketball courts to the east and west.

Additional improvements include new LED sports lighting at the east and west perimeter of the courts for extended evening play, and the relocation of two security light poles to align with the existing light poles. The project also added four ADA accessible bleachers positioned under the shade trees, along with sports benches under the shade trees on the south side of the courts for players and spectators.

Enhanced landscaping features were incorporated into the design, including three large planting beds that allow for more space for existing trees around the court perimeter, providing natural shade and areas to sit and relax. The planting area was developed using materials that have proven durable in other parks in this area and will keep the park cool in the summer and welcoming for visitors. Other new amenities include a high-low drinking fountain with bottle filler, trash receptacles, and bike racks to encourage alternative transportation to the park.

The $3.35 million project was funded through $3 million from City Council, as well as $350,000 from the Queens Borough President.