In early 2015, a plumbing issue resulted in the closure of the restrooms within the Charybdis Playground at Astoria Park. The closure lasted through the entire 2015 spring/summer/fall park-going seasons.

Our community was told that the issue was temporary and it would be addressed. Yet, we now stand in 2016 and nothing has been done. With the start of the 2016 park-going seasons just a few months away, we are looking at the prospect of a second full year without clean, safe, and operational permanent bathrooms in the playground.

Astoria Park is the jewel of our neighborhood. Countless thousands use the park every year. The playground, specifically, is like a second home to so many of our children. The families of Astoria depend on this facility.

Now is the time to address this issue and make the re-opening of the restrooms the priority that it should be. Please join me in helping our devoted City Councilman, Costa Constantinides, and the New York City Parks and Recreation Department get the Astoria Park restrooms back on line for 2016.