Astoria Park Updates

As a reminder, tonight is the night Astorians get to put in their 2¢ regarding how a whopping $30 million from the city should be spent on Astoria Park. There will no doubt be some vigorous debates and spirited conversations during this community meeting. However, if you need some inspiration regarding how to spend the money, the Astoria Park Alliance, a volunteer-run organization that supports and advocates for the park, has put together 10 recommendations:

1. An investment in sustainable horticulture and beautification: landscaping that addresses erosion; native species, self-sustaining flower beds and plantings; a low-maintenance and drought-resistant tree plan; and sturdy, high-traffic, easily maintained ground cover to green lawns.
2. Refurbished and expanded comfort stations that reflect current, and future usage. Design should include low maintenance materials.
3. Universal Wi-Fi to connect and inform park users.
4. Solar powered LED lights for safety on pathways.
5. Repave all hard surfaces to provide proper drainage and erosion control.
6. Establish safe shore access for park users so that the relationship of Astoria Park to the waterfront is fully utilized and embraced.
7. Remove fences where possible to give a welcoming sense of open space
   to park users.
8. Temporary storage cubbies for non-valuable items so that track users
   can exercise free of encumbrance.
9. Rental equipment for bocce, ping pong, and volleyball.
10. An environmentally friendly soccer field within the track with built in
    protection for runners.

In other news, plans for refurbishing the bocce court in Astoria Park are moving forward and cleanup is happening! Here’s a recent photo of the progress from the Astoria Park Alliance Facebook page:

If you’d like to do some hands-on volunteer week, head to the park this Saturday, November 19 for the final day of Leaf Fest. Volunteers will meet up at the Field House near the Astoria Park track, and the Astoria Park Alliance will provide gloves, tools, and training. They usually provide things to eat and drink, like donuts, cider, coffee and/or treats, too. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes, and be ready ready to work outdoors. Here’s are some photos from last year’s Leaf Fest.