Open Space

Invest in Historic Rufus King Park

Commitment ID

Jamaica-35

Lead Agency

DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION (DPR)

Timeline

Design starting in FY29

Status

In Progress

Status Update

NYC Parks received funding to advance the capital park improvement projects. The design of the capital projects is anticipated to begin in fiscal year 2029. A request for café cart vendor proposals was issued in 2026 and NYC Parks is now evaluating all submitted proposals.

Statement from Source Document / POA

Rufus King Park is downtown Jamaica’s largest park and is home to a historic landscape and the King Manor Historic House. This widely used park, surrounded by multifamily homes and public infrastructure like the courthouses, serves residents, workers, and visitors to Jamaica with both passive and active recreation. Working with the local community and non-profit partners, NYC Parks has been focusing on improving this important community asset. Currently, NYC Parks is reconstructing the Rufus King Park Playground at 153rd Street and 90th Avenue, creating a new and improved place for children to play within the park. The project is in the design phase. Additional investments in Rufus King Park through the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan will ensure that downtown Jamaica’s most significant public space is inviting for all and ready to receive them. NYC Parks proposes four interventions to the park:

Improving park circulation by creating new interior park pathways so that the entrances at 150th St between Jamaica Avenue and 90th Avenue, and at the southeastern corner (153rd Street and Jamaica Avenue) can be opened to the public.
Developing a dog run in the northeastern section, partnering with a local organization for maintenance.
Reconstructing the Parkhouse, including public restrooms and the Parks Enforcement Patrol station. The work will include ADA accessibility and other upgrades.
Issuing a concession Request for Proposals to establish a café cart vendor near the King Manor Historic House, a direct response to community request.

Together, these improvements to Rufus King Park cater to residents, workers, and visitors to provide a marquee park experience in Jamaica’s historic jewel.

Funding: $17.5 million