Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto Park — Attraction in New York

Phil “Scooter” Rizzuto Park, affectionately known as Smokey Oval, is a small but vibrant 4.35‑acre community hub in South Richmond Hill, Queens. Centered on Atlantic Ave and bounded by 95th Ave and 125th–127th St, the park is named after Yankees legend and local hero Phil Rizzuto—hoisting local pride into something tangible .

🏀 Facilities & Play

The park features basketball and handball courts, a baseball diamond, playground areas, spray showers, fitness equipment, football fields, and even public Wi‑Fi . Though the courts were historically cracked and weedy, the Queens Borough President recently allocated a $3 million renovation fund to upgrade these key areas, addressing flooding, uneven surfaces, and weed overgrowth .

🌳 Community & Events

What Rizzuto Park lacks in acreage, it makes up for with spirit. The “Friends of Phil Rizzuto Smokey Park” group organizes seasonal gatherings from Easter egg hunts to Zumba, arts & crafts, puppet shows, youth basketball camps, movie nights, and autism-awareness walks—showing genuine grassroots engagement .

👥 Demographics & Vibe

This park reflects its culturally rich neighborhood. It’s a meeting place for South Asian traditions like bird racing and Kabaddi, while also serving West Indian and broader QNS communities . It’s lively throughout the day—kids playing, seniors using fitness stations and walking programs, and neighbors chatting informally .

👍 Strengths & Considerations • Pros: Highly activated by community-led programming; varied athletic infrastructure; ongoing capital investment improving usability; strong cultural inclusivity and visibility. • Cons: Small size limits natural green space; prior neglected courts and occasional crowding; lack of shaded woodland or extensive landscaping  .

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🌟 Final Thoughts

Phil “Scooter” Rizzuto Park punches above its weight. Though compact, it thrives on community energy, offering sports, play, events, and cultural cohesion. The recent $3 million court renovations promise safer, more inviting facilities. For local residents and families, it’s a neighborhood gem—an active, well‑loved park that truly captures the spirit of Richmond Hill. If you’re looking for sprawling lawns, head elsewhere—but if you want connection, activity, and heart, this is a Queens park...

Even we are living in the time of COVID-19 , we still have access to fresh air and all the resources which we are not able to use these days in the gym because of Corona Virus thing. Me and my brother goes to Phil Scooter Rizzuto Park every day in the morning in order to stay fit and healthy. I mean how long can we stay in our homes ? We actually have to fight with COVID-19 and make our immunity stronger so we can say GO CORONA. So you can also take an initiative to come in the morning or evening or which so ever time is good for you so we can stay healthy. And yes don’t forget to bring your masks. Be it disposable or reusable. Masks are mandatory for your protection. Thanks for the time that you’ve given to read my review. Enjoy your day. Stay Safe. #quarantinelife #COVID-19 #timeforCoronatogo #stayhealthy #stayfit #naturelover #natureisabliss #greenery...

I'm giving 5 stars for diversity and cultural celebration. It's a crowded residential area so I am impressed with this park's maintenence for many years. Its a place where people of all ages come to temporarily escape the stresses of everyday life, socialize, and get in some physical activity. There's limited picnic area, because of how busy it is and there's not a ton of grass. Howeverrr I've picnicked here before so its possible. I grew up in this park now my kid does. I hope this park stays indefinitely. I would just like to add that I would love to see more formal community activities organized, for example an open Zumba or yoga class. That...