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New Public Park Coming to Queens Plaza in Long Island City

A new park is scheduled to open next year in the Queens Plaza section of Long Island City (Photo provided by The Durst Organization)

March 11, 2022 By Michael Dorgan

Residents living in the densely populated area of Queens Plaza will soon be getting a new public park.

The park, which will be around a half-acre in size, will open early next year next to Sven, a 71-story luxury building located in the Queens Plaza section of Long Island City.

Sven has a unique curved shape façade and wraps around the historic Clock Tower at 29-59 Northern Blvd. It is the second tallest building in Queens —with the Skyline Tower being the tallest.

The new green space will be situated at the rear of Sven and will feature a playground, dog runs, workout facilities as well as swinging benches. It will be called Sven Park.

The park will be constructed and maintained by the Durst Organization, the developers behind Sven. The 762-foot-tall residential tower consists of 958 units.

Jonathan Durst, the president of the Durst Organization, said that the firm is excited about bringing a new park to Queens Plaza, given the lack of park space in the area.

“In a city short on green space…Sven Park will offer a welcome respite for both residents and the surrounding community,” Durst said.

“Whether they are taking their dog for a walk, bringing their kids to the playground, or just looking to get some fresh air, we look forward to welcoming everyone to this new neighborhood amenity.”

Sven Park will feature swinging benches and ping pong tables (Photo provided by The Durst Organization)

The park will include a large lawn area, two dog runs, workout equipment, porch swings and ping pong tables.

It will also come with an interactive children’s playscape area consisting of a slide and a wooden climbing feature, bike racks as well as movable tables and chairs.

Plantings include tall bald cypress trees, a plethora of flowering plants as well as flowering trees such as serviceberry and lush ferns.

Starr Whitehouse, a Manhattan-based landscape and architecture firm, is designing the park.

The Durst Organization began leasing market rate units at Sven in November. The NYC Housing Preservation & Development is currently holding a lottery for 288 income-restricted units at Sven. The lottery ends on March 21.

The development is close to the E/M/R subway lines at Queens Plaza and the 7/N/W lines at Queensboro Plaza, as well as the Court Square transit hub.

Sven, pictured, has a unique curved shape façade and wraps around the historic Clock Tower at 29-59 Northern Blvd. (Photo provided by The Durst Organization/Giles Ashford)