Current Advocacy

2025 allowed us to further our advocacy for Golden Pond, thanks to a Girl Scout and Bronx Science Student, Emi. She spent the summer observing, measuring, and cleaning up damage from heavy rains in early August. Unlike Glenn, whose 1972 cleanup of Crocheron Pond was featured in Life Magazine, Emi and her team of conservationists must wade through even more regulations. 



Check back soon for more on the results of her study!

Buz O'Rourke Playground

September of 2023 we learned that CM Vickie Paladino and Queens Borough President together put up $6.5 million for a total renovation of this playground. The earliest we can expect the playground to be repaired is January 2028.

Our members and volunteers worked alongside NYC Parks to advocate for this repair. Along with highlighting it during an early fundraiser, we worked with local parents to address their concerns. Some of the issues were natural things like lichen, which is a sign of a healthy environment. Other things, like chipping paint ending up on kids hands, was problematic. We then followed up to help ensure they spoke with our Council Member (first CM Vallone then Paladino), see the letter here.

Twin Gazebos

In 2024 we learned that CM Vickie Paladino Part of the original park design, the Twin Gazebos have had numerous repairs over the years. We believe this may be the largest one yet!

Friends is grateful to NYC Parks for their deligent work to make repairs and follow up with CM Paladino. ur Founding President, Jessica, wrote a letter and included the numerous photographs of the damage and Parks' Carpentry Team's attempt to repair. See more here.

Paths Around Crocheron & John Golden

While the final sections of paths to be repaired are not public, NYC Parks is finally getting around to repairing paths. Our members have heard that from parkgoers that family members have fallen and broken bones due to the uneven paths. This was our first mission, to have the city fix the paths and prevent these types of injuries. Especially as our part of NYC has a larger number of older adults than other areas. The damage to the path near the Tennis House, by Ida, is included.

Total Funding: $1,163,000

Footbridge Over CIP

The Footbridge over the Cross Island Parkway is in need of repair. Unfortunately, the FY 2024 Capital Project Detail Data - Queens, excerpt below, shows that it has been delayed due to budget constraints. We also found that the Comptroller cited the issue in the 2024 fiscal year report, "Rotten planks. Gaps in boards greater than 1/2 inch. Tripping hazards - several exposed nail heads." See the report here.

You May Also Like

Donate

Partnerships