QueensWay Elevated Park Moves Closer to Reality, State Allocates $444K for First Phase

December 15, 2014

It looks like the city is one big step closer to getting its second elevated park. DNA Info reports that the state has just allocated nearly $444,000 to the design of the first phase of the QueensWay, an urban renewal project that would transform 3.5 miles of abandoned elevated railway into a park akin to the High Line. The money was awarded to the Trust for Public Land via Governor Cuomo’s $709.2 million Regional Economic Development Council initiative. The first phase will consist of the design of the “Northern Gateway,” which comprises a 1.5-mile-long stretch starting at Rego Park. The park is set to extend from Rego Park to Ozone Park.

WXY Studio Architecture + Urban Design, dlandstudio, QueensWay, Friends of the QueensWay

“The section will retain and feature a large number of mature trees, and will include a nature-themed adventure playground, large bioretention basins and other green infrastructure that can absorb large quantities of stormwater, and access paths to adjacent streets,” the Trust For Public Land said in a statement.

The firms WXY Studio Architecture + Urban Design and dlandstudio have created the conceptual designs for the QueensWay. In addition to its green infrastructure, the park may also boast a zip-line and giant slide, a number of sports facilities and an adventure park. There will also be plenty of walking, running and biking paths closed off to traffic. In a previous feasibility study (also funded by the state) it was found that the park would cost $120 million to build.

Proposed-Queensway-Elevated-Park-2014

Proposed Queensway Elevated Park 2014

Naysayers of the park have already come out of the woodwork. A number of locals would rather see the railway reactivated as a functioning line rather than a place for recreation. According to the Trust for Public Land, more than 320,000 people live in the neighborhoods within a mile of the proposed QueensWay. The property is currently owned by the city.

The design of the first phase could be ready to go as soon as a year from now.

[Via DNA Info]

[Related: Study Says QueensWay Will Cost $120 Million and Help Local Economy]

[Related: See the Winners of the “QueensWay Connection: Elevating the Public Realm” Design Competition]

Images courtesy of Friend of the QueensWay, WXY Studio Architecture + Urban Design and dlandstudio

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