ASTORIA — A $1.7 million overhaul of Paul Raimonda Playground wrapped up this week after 10 months of construction, featuring a new piano-shaped children's water sprinkler just in time for summer.
Officials cut the ribbon Tuesday on the renovated play space, located on 47th Street between 20th and 21st avenues, unveiling a number of new features including the spray shower, which was modeled after a Steinway & Sons baby grand piano.
It's a nod to the nearby Steinway & Sons factory, the famous piano-makers that the Steinway neighborhood is named after.
"Kids will be able to splash around this summer in a brand new piano-shaped spray shower that challenges their imaginations and pays homage to the neighborhood's roots," Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski said.
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Construction on the improvements at Paul Raimonda Playground started last August last year, and was its first major renovation since 1995, officials said.
In addition to the new spray shower, the park got all new playground equipment, and an underused bocce court was turned into a fitness area for adults. Crews also repaired the flag pole, repaved the asphalt and planted new trees and flowers.
The revamp was paid for with funding from the City Council and Mayor Bill de Blasio, according to a press release.
