For generations, Queens Valley Playground (KGH Shabbos Park) has been a haven for local families, a place where children cool off in the spray showers on hot summer days, enjoy the afternoon breeze while soaring high on the swings and climbing bars, and where budding athletes face off in friendly competition. Now, the beloved neighborhood park is set to undergo a major transformation – not just for aesthetics, but to help protect the neighborhood from flooding.
The Queens Valley Playground, located at 137-32 76th Avenue, along 137th Street, between 76th Avenue and 76th Road, is situated in a historically significant area that was once known as Head of the Vleigh, later renamed Queens Valley. The neighborhood’s origins date back to colonial times, when Vleigh Road, now Vleigh Place, served as a key route connecting Flushing to Brooklyn.
In the 18th century, much of the land was owned by William Furman, a prominent landowner and farmer known for his contributions to the area’s agricultural development, who named it Willow Glen due to the abundance of weeping willows on his property. Later, Timothy Jackson, a respected horse breeder and landowner, acquired the land and expanded it into a horse farm. While nearby communities such as Hopedale (now Kew Gardens), Whitepot (now Forest Hills), and Richmond Hill saw rapid development, Queens Valley remained farmland until the late 19th century.
The KGH Shabbos Park has long been a cherished community space. However, in November 2023, the playground faced an unfortunate act of vandalism when its toddler swings were set on fire in an apparent arson attack. Thanks to swift action from Council Member James Gennaro and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, the damaged area was quickly repaired.
Within days, the destroyed swings were removed and replaced, ensuring that young children could safely enjoy the playground once again. The Parks Department also committed to repainting the swing set, and local safety patrol group Queens Shmira worked closely with the NYPD’s 107th Precinct to review surveillance footage and investigate the incident. While the attack was not deemed anti-Semitic, it underscored the importance of vigilance and community support in maintaining safe public spaces.
Stormwater management remains a pressing issue for New York City, particularly in urban areas with limited natural drainage. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has launched an ambitious Green Infrastructure (GI) project at the playground to help reduce flooding and protect local waterways. The initiative includes eco-friendly solutions such as permeable surfaces, rain gardens, and underground stormwater storage to prevent excessive runoff from overwhelming the city’s sewer system. At the Shabbos Park, the newly installed infrastructure is expected to capture and store hundreds of thousands of gallons of rainwater annually, mitigating flood risks and improving water quality in nearby waterways.
The project will involve the installation of a stormwater storage system beneath the playground’s surface, allowing rainwater to be absorbed efficiently. While parts of the playground will undergo temporary closures for renovations, it will largely remain accessible for public use throughout the roughly five-month construction period beginning on Monday, February 10. Upon conclusion, one will find a renovation of the large asphalt multi-purpose area with repaving and upgrades as necessary, while the subterranean stormwater storage system is installed.
The DEP has emphasized that community engagement is a priority for this project. Residents with questions or concerns can reach out to the DEP’s Community Affairs Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The transformation of this beloved playground promises not only to enhance flood prevention but also to create a greener, more sustainable space for future generations for Shabbos afternoon play!
By Shabsie Saphirstein
