City Breaks Ground on New Kissena Park Facility
The new comfort station in Flushing is the first NYC Design-Build project awarded to an MWBE firm.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize faster construction methods for public park amenities?
City officials have officially broken ground on a new comfort station at Kissena Park in Flushing. The facility aims to provide necessary restroom access for local families, park visitors, and bicyclists.
Why it matters
The project serves as a pilot for the citys Design-Build program, which aims to expedite infrastructure completion by utilizing local minority and women-owned businesses. It is part of a larger, ongoing effort to expand and improve the Eastern Queens Greenway.
The comfort station is funded by a $7.4 million budget and is projected to be completed in just four months of construction. This facility is part of a broader $25 million investment strategy for the Eastern Queens Greenway.
The players
Sandra Ung
She is a local official who has successfully secured more than $25 million for various improvement projects across the Eastern Queens Greenway.
NYC Department of Design and Construction
This agency manages the city's infrastructure projects and oversees the Design-Build program to accelerate public works construction.
The details
Constructed through the NYC Department of Design and Construction's Design-Build program, this project is the first of its kind to be awarded to a Minority or Women-Owned Business. The station will serve as a vital amenity for the active park community.
Timeline
In 2022, Sandra Ung secured $7.4 million for local park projects.
October 27, 2026: The groundbreaking ceremony took place at Kissena Park.
February 2027: The comfort station is expected to open to the public.
Market Landscape
This project follows the procurement patterns established by the NYC Design-Build program to streamline municipal construction. By awarding the contract to an MWBE firm, the city is shifting how it contracts large-scale public infrastructure.
Residents and park visitors in Flushing will soon have access to new, modern restroom facilities. This improvement is expected to enhance the usability of the Eastern Queens Greenway for cyclists and families alike.
The takeaway
Public infrastructure projects are increasingly utilizing expedited design-build contracting to speed up construction timelines. These initiatives reflect a broader shift toward diversifying the pool of contractors hired for city-funded improvements.
What happens next
The comfort station is scheduled to open to the public in February 2027.
Further reading
For more updates on local development, see New York City Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by QNS.
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize faster construction methods for public park amenities?
