Openings and Closings: Just in time for summer, the Lance Corporal Thomas P. Noonan Playground in Sunnyside, Queens is once again open following a $2 million renovation. Upgrades include play equipment that's now accessible to children of all abilities, additional swings, a new toddler play area, a spray shower for cleaning off before heading home (we moms thank you), extended green space, and a refurbished flagpole with a granite tribute to the playground's late Vietnam veteran namesake. This fall, the city also hopes to start construction on a pair of handball and basketball courts.

Speaking of park updates, the New York Knicks, the NYC Parks Department and over 100 volunteers planted more than 3,500 trees and 1,050 shrubs in Alley Pond Park thanks to the Trees for Threes initiative. One tree was donated for every three-pointer made during the Knicks’ home games this season. That turned out to be more than 500 trees, which were augmented by donations from PwC, a private tax and advisory services company. We're already big fans of all that Alley Pond Park had to offer and now it sounds like it's even better!

We're bummed to share the news that one of our favorite annual spring festivals, Madison Square Park's Kid Fest, isn't happening this spring. Before you get too sad, its Fall Kids Fest is set to continue!

Everything Old Is New Again... Even though NYC's firehouses already have an open door policy for kids to visit, this Saturday, May 2, they're turning up the heat with a special, citywide Open House in honor of the FDNY's 150th anniversary. FREE tours, safety tips, and giveaways like coloring books, fire helmets and commemorative programs are all on tap. Pick the firehouse or EMS station nearest you (or maybe one you've always wanted to visit), and sign up for either an 11am–1pm or a 1–3pm slot. We hear they might even let you slide down the fireman's pole!

And it might be time for another visit to the Bronx Zoo. New residents include a pair of infant western lowland gorillas, the 16th and 17th of these critically endangered creatures born at Congo Gorilla Forest. The Bronx Zoo is home to the largest group of gorillas in North America: 19 in all. The new babies (whose genders are still unknown) will be on view at various times, depending on weather, temperature and, quite possibly, their moods.
 
Applications Pending: Manhattan's District 2's Community Education Council was scheduled to vote April 20 on a proposal that would change the middle school admissions process in the area. Instead of knowing exactly how students rank their choices, schools would only be told whether or not they are in an applicant's top tier of picks. The objective is to keep schools from automatically rejecting anyone who doesn't put the institution first. However, when contacted by Mommy Poppins, a representative of CECD2 said, "The resolution was not voted on, [and] there will be continued discussion with the District 2 community and the council on this issue."

If you've got a kid with a passion for singing, you'll be excited to learn that the National Children's Chorus is holding auditions! Applications are currently being accepted for both the Junior Division, ages 5-12, and the Senior Division, ages 10 and up. The application process has two steps: the first includes a test of scales, rhythm and pitch matching, followed by a 30-minute telephone interview to confirm that the applicant is available and committed to the rehearsal and performance schedule. Audition tips are available on the website. For more musical opportunities, check out our roundup of children's choirs in NYC.