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Explore Your Park > Murray Playground > Highlights > Bigger Bird

Murray Playground

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45 Ave., 45 Rd. Bet. 11 St. And 21 St.

Queens

Directions: Google Maps | MTA Trip Planner

Acres: 2.52

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This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found posted within the park.

Bigger Bird

Located in the southeast corner of John Murray Park since 1986, this abstract sculpture is a long-term temporary installation by Long Island City artist Dan Sinclair.

Sinclair, born in 1947 in Los Angeles, received a BFA degree from the University of Southern California and went on to complete the MFA program at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. He has exhibited in various galleries, both in New York and abroad, and now runs DMS Studios in Long Island City.

The 25’ tall sculpture is made of welded steel piping and mesh, and is painted yellow and silver. Its interlocking triangular planes resemble “oversized origami,” and suggest the wings of a bird.

Sinclair, whose other public art works include Fast Track and Speed Wheels (1990) in Grand Central Terminal, was commissioned by the Hunters Point Community Development Corporation to create this contemporary piece. The artist was inspired by the children’s educational program Sesame Street (filmed at nearby Kaufman Astoria Studios) as well as local neighborhood play areas. He commented: “This is serious sculpture with children in mind.”

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Know Before You Go

There are currently 2 construction projects taking place in this park that are affecting access to its amenities.

This project at John F. Murray Park will convert the existing asphalt ballfield into a synthetic turf softball field located just west of the playground. This will include drainage system improvements, new ADA accessible dugouts and drinking fountains, a bike rack, and a misting station. It is part of the Asphalt-to-Turf PlaNYC project. Once the construction of the ballfields at Grover Cleveland Park ends, work at John F. Murray Ballfield will begin.
Anticipated Completion: Summer 2011

This project is for a new comfort station serving John F. Murray Playground bounded by 45th Ave., 24th St., 45th Rd. and 11th St. It will provide much-needed bathroom facilities in a popular area of the park.
Anticipated Completion: Winter 2012

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