Lou Lodati Playground: progress and next steps

Dear neighbors and supporters,

Thank you for signing and sharing this petition. On October 14, I met with NYC Parks staff from the design, accessibility, and Queens teams, project architects ABB, and playground manufacturer Landscape Structures. Theresa Cottone, District Manager, and Kalsang Yangtso, Community Liaison and Budget Coordinator, from Council Member Julie Won’s office also participated.

The central concern remains: the proposed playground would be less accessible than the existing play structure. A major public investment intended to improve our park should expand disabled kids’ opportunities to play.

Here is where things stand:

• Playground design: Landscape Structures will review the design to expand accessibility and create more opportunities for kids with different abilities to play together. Feedback or a revised design concept is expected by the end of October; I have asked Parks to confirm that timeline.

• Inclusive equipment: I have requested wheelchair-accessible movement-based play and an additional inclusive swing, consistent with CIDNY’s recommendations. These additions have not yet been confirmed.

• Restroom and changing facilities: I have requested a separate follow-up with Parks to establish a path toward an accessible restroom and adult-sized universal changing table, including responsibility, funding, and an installation timeline. These remain urgent, unresolved priorities.

• Playground surfacing: I have requested an accessible replacement for the proposed synthetic turf. Mount Sinai’s Children’s Environmental Health Center strongly discourages installing artificial turf because of unresolved safety questions and potential chemical and heat exposures. Council Member Julie Won herself co-sponsored legislation in 2025 to prohibit new artificial grass in city parks. Our community deserves an explanation for why this material remains in the Lou Lodati plan and a suitable alternative before the design is finalized. 

The meeting opened an opportunity for meaningful changes, but those changes have not yet been secured.

You can help by emailing Council Member Julie Won’s office at district26@council.nyc.gov. and qn02@cb.nyc.gov. Please tell them that an inclusive Lou Lodati Playground—with meaningful shared play, an accessible restroom, and a universal changing table—is a community priority, and ask for their support in securing these improvements before the renovation moves forward.

Please continue sharing the petition. I will update you when we receive the design feedback expected by the end of October, or sooner if there is substantive progress.

With gratitude,
Bridget