Seasonal Tennis Bubble at Astoria Park Developments

The Old Astoria Neighborhood Association (OANA) recognizes the ongoing community discussion regarding the proposed seasonal tennis bubble at Astoria Park.

OANA supports the Queens Community Board 1 position of conditional support for the proposed tennis bubble concession, provided that all stipulated requirements are fully met by the concessionaire and incorporated into the final terms of the agreement.

These conditions, as outlined by Community Board 1, are intended to protect public access, neighborhood quality of life, and the long-term integrity of the park. They include safeguards such as maintaining public access to non-enclosed courts, limiting the scale and duration of the structure, ensuring seasonal (winter-only) operation with mandatory removal in warmer months, and requiring appropriate noise, maintenance, lighting, and utility standards.

It is important to note that Community Board recommendations are advisory in nature only. While they represent local community input and review, the final decision regarding the issuance of any Request for Proposals (RFP) and the awarding of a concession rests with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, which is not obligated to adopt the Community Board’s recommendations.

OANA’s position is that if the project moves forward, it should do so strictly within the framework of the Community Board’s conditions, and with continued attention to preserving equitable, year-round public access to Astoria Park’s recreational facilities.

As the process advances, OANA encourages continued community engagement and transparency to ensure that any final outcome reflects both the recreational needs of park users and the broader public interest.

Read the Community Board statement here.