HUNTERS POINT — Murray Playground has a new look.
The eastern portion of the park, on 45th Avenue between 11th and 21st streets, reopened last week after a $1.275 million renovation that includes a new performance area and green space, according to the Parks Department.
Construction, which began last summer and was funded by the Queens Borough President's Office, includes a new central green space lined with benches that are the same design as ones first used in Flushing Meadows Corona Park during the 1964 World's Fair.
It also has a stone walking path and a new performance space with a stage area and three levels of tiered seating.
"Long Island City has quickly become the center of arts and culture in New York City," City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer said in a statement. "These new enhancements will give thousands of Long Island City residents the ability to enjoy outdoor performances in their very own neighborhood."
The renovations were designed to make the site more resilient, with use of permeable paving stones and addition of more trees and shrubs to replace paved areas, according to the Parks Department.
Murray Playground has seen other improvements in recent years — its playground was renovated in 2012 and a new comfort station and synthetic turf field were added in 2010.
