The grass is freshly trimmed. Water sprays arc into the air as kids run through the new splash zone. A group of neighbors stretches into yoga poses on a quiet corner of the lawn, while a few teens take shots on the basketball court.
Rainey Park is finally open again, and Astoria families are wasting no time getting back outside. Whether you’re joining a fitness class, setting up for a picnic, or just watching your kids climb the new playground, it feels good to be back.
If you’re enjoying the park — or recovering from a fall or injury during play — knowing your rights and options with the help of skilled Queens personal injury lawyers is key.
Why the Park Was Closed So Long
Rainey Park had been shut since September 2023 for renovations. The work was supposed to move quickly, but delays stretched the closure out for more than a year.
Frustrated by the long wait, local families organized protests — most notably the “Honk to Reopen” rally. Some residents spoke out, saying their elderly parents or young children were missing out on one of the only green spaces in the neighborhood.
The project carried a price tag of $8.5 million. Located along Vernon Boulevard and the East River, Rainey Park is a rare waterfront space in Astoria, which made its closure especially tough on the community.
What’s New in the Park
Now that it’s back, the changes are easy to spot. The city used the budget to add features for all age groups and make the space more accessible.
Here’s what’s been added:
- Playgrounds for ages 2–12, with turf mounds, slides, and sensory equipment
- Water play areas, including splash pads and spray zones
- Basketball courts and adult fitness stations
- Community spaces for yoga, games, and small events
- Upgraded seating, shaded picnic lawns, BBQ zones, and modern restrooms
- Wider walking paths and new ramps for better access throughout
It’s a thoughtful redesign. Whether you’re pushing a stroller or shooting hoops, the park feels more open and usable than before.
The Role of the Community
Residents didn’t just wait quietly for the park to reopen. In April, they held a car rally with signs and honking horns to get attention.
One woman shared that her 83-year-old mother used the park almost daily before it closed. These kinds of voices helped put pressure on the city to finish the job.
The office of the Queens Borough President, local City Council members, and NYC Parks all got involved to help move things forward. This was a community-led push from the start.
Reopening Weekend
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on July 9–10, 2025. NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa was there, along with many of the neighbors who had been waiting for this moment.
During the event, officials talked about the importance of fair access to public space and how Rainey Park helps bring people together.
At just over eight acres, it’s not the biggest park in Queens, but it serves an important role for those living nearby — especially with its prime spot by the river.
What to Expect This Summer
Now that it’s open, the park already has a lineup of activities. There are yoga classes on the lawn, pickup games at the courts, and free music and art events scheduled throughout the summer.
Kids have been making full use of the splash zone, while families are using the new picnic and BBQ areas.
The park is also being watched more closely — both by Parks staff and by volunteers — to make sure it stays clean and safe for everyone. We encourage all of our neighbors to enjoy the space — but also to take care while doing so.
Safety Tips Before You Head Out
The new park features are great — but some surfaces can still be risky. The spray zones are wet, playground turf can get slick, and court surfaces are hard if someone takes a fall.
If you’re bringing kids, keep an eye on them. Make sure they wear shoes with grip and avoid running in water areas. It’s also smart to know where the nearest help station or emergency contact point is.
Even well-built parks can have flaws. Stay aware and speak up if you spot something unsafe.
When Accidents Happen, We’re Here to Help
Injuries in public parks aren’t always simple. If poor design, broken equipment, or bad maintenance leads to a fall or injury, you may have legal options.
We help people figure out what happened and who’s responsible. That might mean gathering photos, talking to witnesses, or working with the city. We’ve helped many clients who were injured in parks and public spaces — and we know how to get results.
Final Thoughts
Rainey Park is open again, and it looks better than ever. From playgrounds and spray zones to fitness programs and BBQ areas, there’s something for everyone.
As you tap into the park’s renewed energy, stay mindful — if you or a loved one is injured, the dedicated Boland Injury Lawyers, P.C., are here to help you seek full compensation.
Enjoy the summer, stretch your legs, and if something goes wrong, know we’re just a call away.