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Forest Hills Playground to Get $1.45M Makeover With Drums and Tire Swing

 A rendering of DeVoy Playground , which is currently undergoing a major facelift.
A rendering of DeVoy Playground , which is currently undergoing a major facelift.
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Courtesy of Parks Department

QUEENS — DeVoy Playground will soon undergo a $1.45 million makeover, which will add special drums for children, a new tire swing and a drinking fountain, among other improvements, the city's Parks Department said.

Located at 71st Avenue and Union Turnpike inside the Forest Hills entrance to Forest Park, the playground is a popular choice among families going for a walk around the greenspace.

The upcoming renovation will bring a number of new attractions to the wood-chip covered playground, ideal for children 12 and under, the agency said. 

The new features will include three Babel drums — one large and two small — which are circular stainless steel instruments which should be played by striking with the fingertips.

"Their mellow tones are never brassy or too loud — perfect for musical exploration in the fresh air," according to an online description of the drums.

The funds, provided by the Queens Borough President's office, will also pay for a new drinking fountain, as well as additional seating and swings, including a new tire swing.

The entrance gate will be replaced with a new one, allowing for better access to the site, the agency said.

Because the playground is located within the park, the new design will be “sensitive to the existing site conditions by preserving the tree root systems, tree canopy, and sloping terrain,” Meghan Lalor, a spokeswoman for the agency, said in an email. 

Colors and materials of the new play equipment will also reflect "the earth tones and forested aspect of the site," Lalor added.

The playground will keep is current popular features, like the wood climbing logs and animal sculptures.

The upcoming renovation is expected to begin by the end of the month and will be completed by the next summer, according to the Parks Department.