You are reading

Council Member Won announces over $12M in funding for western Queens parks

Council Member Julie Won and members of SUDS during the funding announcement at Lou Lodati/Torsney Playground on Friday, September 22. (Photo: Office of Council Member Julie Won)

Sept. 26, 2023 By Czarinna Andres

In a significant move to enhance the green spaces in western Queens, District 26 Council Member Julie Won announced the allocation of $12.55 million in capital funding for the district’s parks, with more than half the funds going to a popular Sunnyside park.

The funding announcement took place at Lou Lodati/Torsney Playground, located at 43rd Street and Skillman Avenue in Sunnyside, on Friday, Sept. 22. Won secured $7.15 million in the 2024 capital budget specifically for the park’s upgrade.

The children’s playground area at Lou Lodati will be undergoing a $6 million revamp, while the popular dog run will be expanded and reconstructed via a $1.15 million injection in funds, Won said.

Meanwhile, at Windmuller Park, located at 39th Drive and 52nd Street in Woodside, the children’s swimming pool will be undergoing a $3.4 million upgrade. Queensbridge Park Playground, located on Vernon Boulevard by the Queensboro Bridge in Long Island City, is set to get $2 million that is being allocated to repair and address a problematic sinkhole issue.

During the announcement, Won was accompanied by members of the Sunnyside United Dog Society (SUDS). Formed in 2001, SUDS consists of a group of Sunnyside canine owners who are regular patrons of the park. Their relentless advocacy led to the creation of the park’s dog run in 2013, which, after 10 years in service, is in need of a revamp.

“This fiscal year, our focus was on ensuring our community has access to contemporary green spaces,” Won said in a statement. “Through persistent community advocacy, our office has successfully secured the funding required for vital improvements in three pivotal parks of our district.”

Rick Duro, a Sunnyside resident and the leader of SUDS, highlighted the group’s commitment to Lou Lodati Park and how it’s maintained the park/dog run but can do little about its wear and tear.

“While our community has been actively involved in maintaining the dog run and the surrounding garden, certain challenges like surface cracking are beyond our control,” Duro mentioned.

email the author: news@queenspost.com

One Comment

Click for Comments 
Keep voting for more of the same old

The city is facing massive deficits and is going bankrupt and she is spending 12m on parks. Ridiculous

Reply

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Catch the fall vibe at these western Queens breweries

Sep. 3, 2025 By Jessica Militello

September rings in the start of Oktoberfest from mid-September through October, featuring special brews, fun events and more fall fun. Western Queens is filled with breweries to enjoy seasonal brews, fall flavors and the start of cooler weather as Autumn approaches, making it a perfect time to meet up with friends at these local spaces.

Fall fun in western Queens: Your guide to the best seasonal events

Aug. 29, 2025 By Jessica Militello

With beach days and summer BBQs behind us, the start of September rings in the start of magnificent Fall foliage, Halloween and more fun activities that come with the start of Autumn, including a list of Fall events in the area. From apple picking to seasonal ciders and more, there is tons to explore in the community. From Mystic Markets to scary movie meet-ups and more, here is a list of Fall events you do not want to miss.

A hidden gem in Sunnyside: Bistro Punta Sal blends Peruvian and Italian flavors

Aug. 29, 2025 By Jessica Militello

On a quiet street in Sunnyside, Bistro Punta Sal has its French doors wide open, letting the late August breeze emanate throughout the space, which is ornate with flowers, paintings and an array of tables and chairs for intimate dinners with friends or a romantic date night. The cozy restaurant, located at 45-51 46th St., is a hidden gem in the neighborhood that is just waiting to be discovered, as the sights and aromas of the restaurant invite guests in.