Council Member James Gennaro and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation deserve a round of applause for bringing peace of mind to Kew Gardens Hills residents in the aftermath of a despicable arson incident at Queens Valley Playground, commonly known as the Shabbos Park, adjacent to P.S. 164. The Council Member took an active role in intervening to ensure a swift replacement to the damaged area, working directly with Queens Parks Department Borough Commissioner Jackie Langsam.
Late Friday, an act of hateful vandalism occurred when the toddler swings were deliberately set on fire, resulting in significant damage to the equipment and surrounding rubberized safety surface. "It is terrible to witness such disregard for our community spaces, especially those designed for the enjoyment of our youngest residents," wrote Gennaro in a statement. "However, please be assured that immediate action is being taken to replace this equipment."
By Monday, the destroyed swings were removed and nearly immediately replaced. Thankfully, the weather cooperated, allowing the rubber safety surface to adhere to the pavement beneath. If it had been colder, temperatures could have slightly delayed the replacement. Additionally, the Parks Department committed to repainting the swingset.
Queens Shmira has been working with Deputy Inspector Kevin Chan, Commanding Officer of the 107th Precinct, regarding surveillance camera footage from the area and the possibility of a repeat offender from several months ago who was identified and spoken to by the safety patrol group. There have been a number of reported garbage pail fires. These incidents are not believed to be anti-Semitic.
Please call the precinct at 718-969-5100, and the Shmira hotline at 718-329-4444, should you have further details.
By Shabsie Saphirstein, Community Outreach Coordinator, Queens Shmira
