NYC Agencies Collaborate to Enhance Space for Play, Sports,
and Community Activities
Assemblyman Sam Berger and Councilman James Gennaro celebrated the completion of the restored blacktop at Queens Valley Playground, adjacent to PS 164. The upgraded space now provides a vibrant area for students, families, and the broader community to stay active and enjoy new recreational opportunities.
The resurfaced blacktop accommodates a variety of activities, from soccer to pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. This project reflects a commitment to creating a space where children, families, and seniors can come together, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors.
Funded by a $900,000 investment from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the restoration was carried out in coordination with the Department of Parks and Recreation and shaped by input from PS 164’s principal and community stakeholders. The project also incorporated green infrastructure to improve local stormwater management. The completed work features nearly 2,000 square feet of porous pavement that will manage 320,000 gallons of stormwater per year, mitigating flooding and improving water quality in Flushing Creek.
“I am proud to celebrate the restoration of the Queens Valley Playground blacktop alongside the PS 164 community and Councilman Gennaro… This revitalized space not only offers a safe and engaging environment for students and families to play, learn, and come together, but it also represents a meaningful step toward a more resilient and sustainable neighborhood,” said Assemblyman Berger. “By listening to the principal, the students, and our neighbors, we’re ensuring this park serves the community as a whole. This project is a testament to what we can achieve when city agencies, schools, and community members collaborate with a shared vision for a healthier, more vibrant Queens.”
“I am thrilled to join the PS 164 family to celebrate this new and improved space,” said Council Member Gennaro. “This restored blacktop will provide students with an exciting new place to play – all while supporting our city’s resiliency efforts with a smart stormwater design. This is a shining example of what we can accomplish when we work together, and the students of PS 164 truly deserve it.”
The newly restored blacktop at Queens Valley Playground provides a vibrant space for play, sports, and community gatherings, bringing neighbors together for years to come while highlighting the value of community-focused initiatives.
