The city is showering Jacob Joffe Park with upgrades.
The Parks Department plans to spruce up the playground in the Flatlands park with new swings, play equipment, and spray showers. The greenspace is need of some major improvements, so the new gear will be a boon for kids and families in the neighborhood, said Paul Curiale, president of the Mill Basin Civic Association.
“This looks great,” said Curial, during a Community Board 18 meeting on March 16. “We need it.”
The Avenue L playground — between E. 58th and E. 59th streets — will be split into two different play areas, one for younger kids ages 2–5, and the other for older kids ages 5–12. And each section will be equipped with its own swing set, according to the Parks Department.
Both play areas will have direct access to the spray showers, but no one needs to worry about getting drenched without their consent, since the wet stuff will not spray in the direction of the benches, said Emmanuel Thingue, who presented the plans on behalf of Parks Department designer Mercedes Ward.
“We’ll have seating on one side of it,” Thingue said. “We’ll have directional spray that way people don’t get wet if you’re sitting.”
The new plans has just about everything locals hoped for — except for a bathroom, which hopefully could be added in the future, said CB 18’s Parks Committee chairwoman.
“I think it’s terrific. It looks great, and looks like it’s addressed all of the communities’ issues,” said Nancy Walby. “It never had a comfort station, it would certainly be very nice to have one, especially when the kids play ball.”
Borough President Adams and Councilman Alan Maisel (D–Flatlands) are providing cash for the project. The Beep is throwing in $1 million, and Maisel is providing $1.2 million, according to the Parks Department.
The city is also simultaneously gussying up the basketball and handball courts adjacent to the Avenue L playground, and installing futuristic water fountains — to the awe of some in the community.
