Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr., Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski and Executive Director for the Astoria Performing Arts Center Taryn Sacramone met in Astoria Park for the unveiling of plans which will convert the park’s long-neglected dive pool into an outdoor performance space. On December 6, Councilmember Peter F. Vallone Jr. and Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski announced plans to convert the long-neglected dive pool at Astoria Park into an outdoor performance space.

“I’m especially proud to work with the Parks Department to turn what has become an eyesore into sorely needed performance space. Some of the city’s brightest performers call Queens home, and they deserve one of the most beautiful locations in the city. Nestled between the Hell Gate and Triborough Bridges with a view of the East River and the skyline at sunset – it will evoke the theaters of ancient Greek and Rome and will be truly majestic,” said Vallone.

Following nearly three decades of deterioration, Vallone advocated for the diving pool, which is located next to the park’s Olympic-sized swimming pool, to be reused as a performance space open to theater groups, schools and community organizations.

“What an incredible development this is for Astoria. This stage - in the center of one of the city’s most beautiful parks - will make the performing arts more accessible than ever to our community. It will draw people to Astoria, and provide artists with a unique space to share their talents. The location is absolutely inspired and the possibilities are endless. Astoria will be much richer for it. I have always known Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. to be a champion of arts and culture, and I am grateful to him for his role in making this happen,” Executive Director for the Astoria Performing Arts Center Taryn Sacramone.

Vallone allocated $1 million for the project, the first of its kind in Astoria, which will include pouring concrete into the pool, removing debris and existing small diving boards, creating seating areas, installing flooring, a new perimeter concrete walkway and a tent canopy to provide shade at the bleachers among other improvements. The pool’s signature three-level diving board will remain and be refurbished.

“Astoria Park has long been one of Queens’ flagship recreational facilities, with opportunities for swimming, running, tennis, and even skateboarding,” said Lewandowski. “Thanks to Councilmember Vallone’s generous allocation we are now diving into a new area of use – public performance space. This long unused space will be transformed to bring music, theater, and more to residents of Astoria and the borough of Queens.”

Vallone is also providing $2 million for renovations to the Astoria Park pool rooftop and terrace and hopes to see a café-type concession there one day.