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Construction Starts on $1.7M Overhaul of Astoria Playground

 Upgrades at the Paul Raimonda Playground will include a spray shower shaped like a Steinway piano.
Paul Raimonda Playground Renovations
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DITMARS — Construction started Tuesday on a $1.7 million renovation of Astoria's Paul Raimonda Playground, with upgrades that include a kids' spray shower shaped like a Steinway piano.

Other improvements to the green space — located on 20th Avenue between 47th and 48th streets, just blocks from the famous Steinway & Sons piano factory — will include new play equipment, the planting of trees and bushes, and a re-paving of the asphalt, officials said.

"In an area where open community space is lacking, the improved grounds will provide a valuable leisure place for our children and families," City Councilman Costa Constantinides said in a statement.

Plans for the renovated playground, which were announced in 2013, include a unique kids' play sprinkler in the shape of a baby grand piano, modeled after those made in the Steinway factory. A wall with seating that will spray water creates the piano's outline, along with concrete keys on the ground, according to the plans.

The Parks Department will remove the playground's existing bocce court, which it says is underused, to install a section of fitness equipment for adults, something requested by the community.

The playground's seating area with game tables will also be moved further into the park, and away from residential homes on the block, to minimize noise.

Construction is expected to wrap next summer, according to the Parks Department.