Field of Rosemary

For New Yorkers seeking accessible and versatile outdoor spaces, neighborhood parks are true treasures. In the lively Ridgewood area of Queens, Rosemary's Playground stands out as a significant community asset, offering a diverse array of recreational opportunities for all ages. More than just a simple park, it's a vibrant hub where residents can engage in sports, children can play, and families can gather, contributing significantly to the quality of life in this bustling part of New York City.

Rosemary's Playground, officially named for a prominent local political leader, Rosemary R. Gunning, has a rich history within the Ridgewood community. Jointly operated by the NYC Parks Department and the Board of Education since its opening in 1962, this 1.97-acre park is strategically located adjacent to Ridgewood Intermediate School 93 (I.S. 93). This partnership ensures that the facilities serve both the school's students and the broader public, maximizing its utility for the neighborhood.

Over the years, Rosemary's Playground has undergone significant enhancements to meet the evolving needs of the community. A substantial reconstruction project, completed ahead of schedule in 2020, brought in $3.2 million in funding, resulting in a modern play scape designed to appeal to various age groups. This commitment to continuous improvement underscores its importance as a vital recreational space for Ridgewood residents. While some community discussions highlight the desire for specific types of surfaces or amenities, the park's ongoing evolution reflects a dynamic relationship between the city and its residents, aiming to provide the best possible public facilities.

As a multi-faceted recreational area, Rosemary's Playground accommodates a wide range of activities, from high-energy sports to more relaxed family outings. A review mentioning "Volleyball are a bit noisy but it’s ok there having fun" perfectly encapsulates the lively, active atmosphere often found here – a testament to the community's enjoyment of the space. This mix of activities, coupled with its historical roots and continuous development, makes Rosemary's Playground a cornerstone of local life in Ridgewood.

In the following sections, we will delve into the specific details of Rosemary's Playground, covering its precise location and accessibility, the comprehensive list of services and features it offers, any relevant promotions or special offers provided by the NYC Parks Department, and essential contact information. Ultimately, we will conclude by reinforcing why this park is an ideal and indispensable resource for locals in the New York region.

Rosemary's Playground is conveniently situated in the Ridgewood neighborhood of Queens, New York. Its address is Woodbine Street &, Fairview Ave, Queens, NY 11385, USA. More specifically, the park is located on the block bounded by Woodbine, Woodward, Madison, and Fairview Avenues, making it a central and easily identifiable landmark within its community.

Accessibility to Rosemary's Playground is a significant advantage for locals. As a densely populated urban area, Ridgewood is well-served by New York City's public transportation network. The M train, for instance, has a station (Forest Ave) that is often just a minute's walk from parts of Ridgewood, making the park highly accessible for subway riders. The L train's Myrtle-Wyckoff Avenue station is also within a reasonable walking or short bus ride distance. Numerous MTA bus routes operate in the Ridgewood area, further enhancing public transit options to reach the park from various parts of Queens and Brooklyn.

For those arriving by car, street parking is typically available in the surrounding residential streets. While New York City parking can sometimes be competitive, the neighborhood context of Ridgewood often offers more opportunities compared to bustling commercial centers. As a public park, Rosemary's Playground does not have dedicated parking lots, so visitors would rely on finding available spots on the nearby streets. Its integration into a residential block makes it primarily a walk-in or bike-to destination for local families and individuals.

The park's location adjacent to Ridgewood Intermediate School 93 (I.S. 93) is also noteworthy, as it facilitates joint use by students and the public, contributing to its vibrant and active atmosphere throughout the day. This strategic placement ensures that the park is deeply integrated into the daily lives of thousands of neighborhood residents, making it a highly convenient and frequented green space for recreation and leisure.

Rosemary's Playground offers a comprehensive array of services and facilities, catering to a wide range of recreational needs for the Ridgewood community. Its design and recent renovations have aimed to provide diverse opportunities for active play, sports, and relaxation.

• Playground Facilities: The park features extensive playground areas designed for various age groups. This includes a "taller tower for children ages 5-12," "short turrets for kids ages 2-5," and a "miniature playhouse for toddlers." These diverse structures ensure that children of all ages have engaging and safe options for play. New "spring animals" also add to the fun.
• Swing Sets: New swing sets have been installed, providing a classic playground amenity that is popular with children.
• Spray Showers: A "spray shower area" with an "apple-and-worm spray shower" design is a highlight, offering a refreshing way for children to cool off during warmer months. This water feature is a significant draw for families.
• Handball Courts: The park includes dedicated handball courts, catering to enthusiasts of this popular street sport.
• Basketball Courts: Reconstructed basketball courts provide a space for pick-up games and organized play, serving as a vital amenity for local athletes and community members.
• Softball Field: A "baseball diamond" is painted on the asphalt field, offering a space for softball games, even if it's a painted delineation rather than a traditional dirt infield. This provides a multi-purpose use for the open areas.
• Shuffleboard Courts: For those interested in more leisurely activities, facilities for shuffleboard are available, catering to a diverse age group and offering a less strenuous recreational option.
• Rollerskating Area: The park also includes facilities for rollerskating for older boys and girls, providing a dedicated space for this popular activity.
• Public Restrooms: Essential for any public park, Rosemary's Playground is equipped with public restrooms, enhancing visitor comfort and convenience during longer stays.
• Seating and Picnic Areas: New benches and seating areas are distributed throughout the park, offering comfortable spots for relaxation, socializing, or enjoying a meal outdoors. These include benches with backs and armrests, and companion seating for wheelchair users.
• Game Tables: New game tables are available, providing opportunities for board games, chess, checkers, or other tabletop activities.
• New Plantings and Trees: The redesign included "new plantings and several new trees," enhancing the park's aesthetics, contributing to local air quality, and providing natural shade, particularly "inspired by apple orchards" with newly planted Crab Apple trees.
• Accessible Play Elements: The playground incorporates "ground-level play features" and "water-based play features" that are accessible, along with "mobility transfer systems" and "accessible swings (Under Age 5)," ensuring inclusivity for children with varying abilities.

These comprehensive services make Rosemary's Playground a highly versatile and engaging recreational space, serving the diverse needs of the Ridgewood community.

Rosemary's Playground boasts several key features and highlights that make it a standout local park and a vibrant community asset in Ridgewood, Queens.

• Comprehensive Renovation and Modern Facilities: A significant highlight is the recent $3.2 million redesign, completed in 2020. This extensive renovation introduced "new playscape" and modernized facilities, ensuring the park offers up-to-date and engaging amenities for all ages.
• Diverse Play Areas for Children: The park's commitment to children's play is evident in its multi-tiered playground, featuring a "taller tower for children ages 5-12," "short turrets for kids ages 2-5," and a "miniature playhouse for toddlers." This variety ensures age-appropriate and stimulating play experiences.
• Engaging Water Features: The "apple-and-worm spray shower" is a unique and highly popular feature, especially during the warm New York summers. It provides a fun and refreshing way for children to cool off, making the park a preferred destination on hot days.
• Variety of Sports Courts: Rosemary's Playground is well-equipped for sports enthusiasts, featuring "handball courts," "reconstructed basketball courts," and a "baseball diamond" painted on the asphalt field. This diverse offering supports multiple athletic activities, catering to different interests within the community.
• Joint Operation with I.S. 93: The park's joint operation by NYC Parks and Ridgewood Intermediate School 93 (I.S. 93) maximizes its utility. This partnership allows both students and the broader community to benefit from the facilities, fostering a continuous flow of activity and community engagement.
• Enhanced Seating and Amenities: The renovation added "new swing sets, a spray shower area, seating and picnic areas, new plantings and several new trees." These improvements create a more comfortable and inviting environment for visitors to relax and socialize. The inclusion of new benches and game tables further enhances the passive recreation experience.
• Community Energy: As noted in a review, despite some noise from activities like "Volleyball," the overall sentiment is positive, with people "having fun." This highlights the vibrant and active community atmosphere that permeates the park, making it a lively and engaging place to be.
• Inclusive Design: The playground includes "accessible play elements" such as ground-level and water-based features, mobility transfer systems, and accessible swings for younger children. This focus on inclusivity ensures that children of all abilities can enjoy the park.

As a public park managed by the NYC Parks Department, Rosemary's Playground does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional business sense. Its primary "offer" is free and open access to its wide array of recreational facilities for all New York City residents. However, the value of the park is often enhanced by free public programs, community events, and partnerships that make its amenities even more accessible and engaging for locals. These can be seen as ongoing "offers" to the public:

• Free Public Access: The park is open daily, generally from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, providing free access to its playgrounds, sports courts, and green spaces for anyone wishing to use them. This fundamental accessibility is a key benefit for New Yorkers seeking affordable outdoor recreation.
• NYC Parks Free Programs: The NYC Parks Department frequently hosts a variety of free programs across its parks, many of which are suitable for a multi-purpose park like Rosemary's Playground. These could include:
  • Free Fitness Classes: Programs such as free tennis lessons, yoga, or other exercise classes might be offered seasonally or in partnership with local fitness groups.
  • Youth Sports Clinics: The park's basketball and handball courts, as well as its open areas, make it suitable for free youth sports clinics or open play sessions organized by the Parks Department or affiliated non-profits.
• Community Events and Festivals: Local Ridgewood community organizations often utilize public parks for free events. While specific events for Rosemary's Playground vary, the larger Ridgewood area frequently hosts community gatherings, cultural festivals, and family-friendly activities that are open to all. Checking with local community boards (like Queens Community Board 5) or neighborhood associations is recommended for upcoming events.
• School Partnerships: As a jointly operated playground with Ridgewood Intermediate School 93 (I.S. 93), the park's facilities are utilized by the school during school hours, offering valuable recreational opportunities to students. Outside of school hours, these facilities become accessible to the wider public, effectively extending their availability.
• Enhanced Accessibility Features: The recent $3.2 million renovation included significant improvements to accessibility, providing accessible play elements, swings, and companion seating. This ongoing investment in inclusivity is a continuous "offer" to ensure the park serves all members of the community.

To stay informed about specific free programs, events, or any changes to park hours, residents should regularly consult the official NYC Parks Department website (nycgovparks.org) and search for "Rosemary's Playground." Additionally, local community group websites and social media channels can provide valuable updates on neighborhood-specific activities at the park.

For those looking to visit or inquire about Rosemary's Playground, here is the essential contact information:

• Address: Woodbine Street &, Fairview Ave, Queens, NY 11385, USA. The park is specifically located on the block bounded by Woodbine, Woodward, Madison, and Fairview Avenues.
• Phone: (212) 639-9675 (This is the general customer service line for the NYC Parks Department. As the managing body for all public parks in New York City, the NYC Parks Department handles inquiries regarding park maintenance, operations, rules, and general information. While not a direct line to the park itself, it is the primary contact for official information.)
• Mobile Phone: +1 212-639-9675 (This is the same phone number, formatted for international dialing, and serves the same purpose as the standard phone number.)

It is important to note that individual parks, especially playgrounds like Rosemary's, do not typically have dedicated on-site staff or direct phone lines. All official inquiries are routed through the central NYC Parks Department. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding park hours, any temporary closures due to maintenance or events, or specific rules and regulations, it is highly recommended to visit the official NYC Parks Department website (nycgovparks.org) and search for "Rosemary's Playground" (Park ID: Q398). The website provides detailed information about facilities, history, and relevant news.

For community-specific matters, or to inquire about local events or initiatives at the park, engaging with Ridgewood community organizations or Queens Community Board 5 could also be beneficial. Their contact information can typically be found through the NYC.gov website or local community directories.

Rosemary's Playground stands as an exceptionally suitable and vital resource for locals in the Ridgewood neighborhood of Queens, and indeed for families and individuals throughout the New York region seeking well-equipped and accessible outdoor spaces. Its comprehensive amenities, strategic location, and vibrant community atmosphere collectively make it an indispensable part of local life.

Firstly, the sheer variety of recreational options available makes it a universally appealing destination. From its thoughtfully designed playgrounds catering to toddlers (2-5) and older children (5-12) with diverse structures and engaging features like the apple-and-worm spray shower, to its array of sports courts for basketball, handball, softball, and even rollerskating, Rosemary's Playground truly offers something for everyone. This breadth of activities ensures that children have ample opportunities for active play and development, while teenagers and adults can engage in their preferred sports, all within their immediate neighborhood.

The park's location in Ridgewood, bordered by Woodbine, Woodward, Madison, and Fairview Avenues, is incredibly convenient. Its accessibility via multiple subway lines and bus routes means that residents can easily reach the park without needing a car, promoting active transportation and integrating seamlessly into daily routines. The joint operation with Ridgewood Intermediate School 93 further enhances its community integration, serving both students and the wider public and ensuring its facilities are well-utilized.

The positive, lively atmosphere, even with the "noisy" but enjoyable volleyball games, speaks volumes about the park's success as a community gathering spot. It’s a place where laughter echoes, friendships are forged, and active lifestyles are celebrated. The significant investment in its recent $3.2 million renovation underscores the commitment to providing high-quality, modern facilities, ensuring the park remains a contemporary and attractive option for recreation.

While some ongoing community discussions might touch on preferences for specific surfaces or future enhancements, the current offerings of accessible play elements, extensive seating, and public restrooms reinforce its dedication to serving all community members inclusively and comfortably. Rosemary's Playground is not just a collection of facilities; it is a dynamic community hub where people of all ages can connect, play, and thrive. For New Yorkers looking for a comprehensive, accessible, and lively neighborhood park, Rosemary's Playground in Ridgewood is undoubtedly a premier choice.

Field of Rosemary

Woodbine Street &, Fairview Ave, Queens, NY 11385, USA