You are reading

Rainbow Park sprinkler breaks down again, parents fault its design

sprinkler1

July 23, 2013 By Christian Murray

Many Long Island City parents were excited last week when the sprinkler system at Gantry Plaza State Park was finally repaired and their children could finally run under the water keep cool.

But that initial joy that the “Rainbow Park” sprinkler provided was short lived. The sprinkler broke after 2 ½ days of operation.

“The sprinkler was damaged after Superstorm Sandy and it required a big stink for it to even come on last week,” said Kris Schrey, the head of the Long Island City Parents Group. “Now we are battling for it to be repaired yet again.”

The system’s design is the source of the problem. The designers, in a quest to be environmentally conscious, shied away from a regular system where the water would have run off into East River.

Instead they adopted a system that recycles the existing water through a filter (with chlorine), much like a swimming pool. “Unfortunately, this is an expensive, fragile and error prone system,” Schrey said.

The system also requires two employees to operate it. One employee has to monitor the chlorine levels every hour, while the other handles health & safety issues.

A source at the Parks Department said that they are reaching out to the contractor that installed the system to come back and repair it. However, it requires specialized equipment and the contractor is not based out of New York City.

Nevertheless, the source said that it should be repaired by the weekend.

email the author: news@queenspost.com

5 Comments

Click for Comments 
EKLev

It’s hard to believe that someone with kids in mind designed this sprinkler. Those sharp concrete edges are just waiting for some nice wet skin to wreak havoc! And chlorinated water blasted directly into kids eyes? How about that limited access (and increased operating cost) due to the fact that we can only use it when there is a lifeguard around! Really? A sprinkler attached to a hose is more useful! There is a beautiful nature infused water play area along the Brooklyn promenade (without a lifeguard) that puts this place to shame! What were these park planners thinking?

Reply
Anonymous

Normally, I’m a guy who loves making fun of the precious Concerned Moms in the neighborhood. But on this story, I fail to see examples of “whining” and “crying” or Williamsburg entitlement.

As a city resident, I expect people who work for us to be held accountable and just do their jobs. We sure as hell pay enough in this city. The people quoted in the story were far more polite than I would be, let me tell you that.

You previous commenters should direct your snark at the right targets. So fix the damn sprinkler and let the kids have some fun!

Reply
me

I don’t know who whines and cries more………..the kids or the obnoxious parents! who cares!!!

Reply

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Poll: Should this Queens native run for mayor?

Feb. 5, 2025 By QNS News Team

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been rumored for months to be considering a run for mayor of New York City — and three straight polls suggest voters would easily back him over Mayor Eric Adams and the rest of the Democratic primary field.

Hundreds gather for Lunar New Year celebration at Queens Borough Hall

Feb. 5, 2025 By Athena Dawson

Hundreds of celebrants gathered at Queens Borough Hall’s Helen Marshall Cultural Center on Thursday, Jan 30, to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Queens residents from the Asian diaspora came together to celebrate the festive holiday. Many locals donned red, a symbol of prosperity, and their traditional attire, including Korean hanbok, Chinese qipao, and Vietnamese áo dài. 

Run through the cold: 4 February races in Queens to help keep your New Year’s resolutions

Feb. 4, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

Amid the busy month of February, with Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, and even snow days, it can be easy to lose track of your running schedule. During these cold winter months, the urge to stay indoors and avoid the harsh winds is strong. However, having the support of friends, family, and the local community can be the motivation needed to lace up your running shoes and push forward. Stay committed to your New Year’s resolutions and sign up for these races in Queens this month, some of which benefit important causes.