Upper Ballfields Reconstruction Underway… to Open this Fall

Construction began last month on long anticipated upper ballfields. The $1.7 million plan calls for three baseball fields including two 90’ diamonds and one 60’ infield. The complex will feature such amenities as outfield fences, bullpens, batting cages, warning tracks, drainage system, sprinkler system and beam clay–the kind used on Major League stadiums. The Juniper Park Civic Association is involved in checking design and progress on the fields. “In the past ballfield construction has been less than successful at Juniper and other parks win the neighborhood… we are determined to see that this project produces a facility that our children can enjoy for a long time,” said Bob Holden.

Juniper Field #1 gets Facelift

The Juniper Park Civic Association and the Midville Dodgers Baseball Clubs have helped refurbish field #1. Also supporting the effort was Home Depot of Forest Hills, Christ the King HS, Violetstown Construction Corp., (Joe)Zawadzki Landscaping, Evergreen Recycling of Corona, Starship Auto Service, Gander Service Centers, Former Councilman Tom Ognibene, Councilman Dennis Gallagher and NYC Parks & Recreation Queens Division.

In addition thanks to Joanne Amagrande-Saverese for her help with fine tuning the construction of the new bleachers on fields #1 & 2.

Brennan Field Football/Soccer Field to get State-of-the-Art Synthetic Turf

Thanks to former Councilman Tom Ognibene and his successor, Councilman Dennis, Gallagher, Juniper Valley Park continues to receive much needed improvements. One of the last pieces of the puzzle falling into place will be the reconstruction of Brennan Field, inside the running track.

The $1.4 million reconstruction on the field is scheduled for fall 2002 and it will be one of the first synthetic turf fields of its kind in New York City parks.

The artificial surface will look and feel like natural grass but will withstand dozens of games a week and remain pristine condition.

The field has been in a dilapidated state for quite some time. Rock strewn and uneven, the surface has seen better days and most teams had declared it unsafe for football. The artificial surface requires little maintenance and drainage is excellent. The construction should last six months and for part of that time the new running track will have to be closed. Councilman Gallagher is working with the Parks Department to speed up construction and shorten the down time of the track. With the number of football and soccer games, keeping the grass in good shape has been difficult at times.