Friends of the Beach 59th Street Playground Association

08/17/2026

Early pictures try to capture the beauty of this glorius day! The joy in the faces of the children said it all.

The Rockaway Reads! Literacy, Arts and Fitness Festival saw dozens of book bags with story books and school supplies distributed. Interactive reading with Sharmeika Davis-Boyd of Qikykidz, Little faces were painted. Buttons made. Balloon animals made. Produce and pantry items distributed. Chalk art fun with Sol de Vida. Zumba dancing with our very own Lisa G and Annie Mohan. Prizes, giveaways and more! We all had a ball!!!

This day was made possible by the initiative and coordination of our Community Engagement Coordinator Teddy Bailey and the dedicated Partnerships for Parks and NYC Parks team, in collaboration with Madison Mckenzie of Donna's H.O.P.E. and Friends of the Beach 59th Street Playground Association thanks to a grant from the City Parks Foundation.

So thankful for our fellow CBOs and corporate partners: Madison Mckenzie Sol de Vida kidz Episcopal Health Services Naacp Far Rockaway Branch Queens Community Board 14 Revolution Garden by the Bay Birthday Clowns for participating and sharing their time, information, services and talents with all the event attendees.

Thank you to all our volunteers, sponsors, donors and supporters. We truly appreciate you. When we work together in love and community, anything is possible!💜❤️💜💚💙🤍

08/16/2026

08/11/2026

Rockaway Reads! Literacy, Arts and Fitness Festival is only 6 days away! Bring the children and join us in the Beach 59th Street Playground this Sunday. August 16th 1 - 5 p.m., for a fun-filled afternoon of free activities and giveaways!

- interactive reading session
-facepainting, balloon animals and cotton candy station
-magic show
-Zumba with Annie and Lisa G@
-guided button making and other art activities
-backpack painting
-Health information
-lite refreshments

Backpacks with school supplies for each child with their choice of story books distributed on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

All are welcome! Let us know you are coming! Register today using the link below.

https://forms.gle/FEcWTio285ep65wa7

"No man is an island, no man stands alone." Special thanks to Edward Bailey, our Community Engagement Coordinator and our fellow CBOs .o.p.e

We all look forward to welcoming you to the Playground!
❤️ 💚

08/04/2026

Thank you to our Friends at Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for always being at the forefront of helping to keep our beaches clean.We appreciate you!!🙏🏾🙌🏾❤️💙💚

Rescheduled! 💙

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy staff for another Rockaway Refresh boardwalk, beach, and shoreline cleanup at B. 59th St. — this Friday, August 7th, from 10AM to 1PM. 🐳

These pop-up cleanups are happening all summer. Volunteers are invited to help us keep our beaches debris-free after busy beach weekends. ⛱

Learn more at JBRPC.org/events or via the link in our bio. 🔗

08/04/2026

Join The Friends of the Beach 59th Street Playground Association and Donna's H.O.P.E in collaboration with City Parks Foundation and Partnerships for Parks for Rockaway Reads: A Literacy, Art, and Fitness festival at the Beach 59th Street Playground on Sunday, August 16th, 1 - 5p.m.

This will be a fun day of free activities including: an author read along, face painting, button-making, balloon twists, and hula hoop art along with more surprise activities.

There will also be a backpack giveaway. Children would be able to decorate and take home a new bookbag with age-appropriate books.

All giveaways first come first serve. Please find the registration for the event here:

https://forms.gle/FEcWTio285ep65wa7