Sunnyside Gardens Park

Frequently Asked Questions

• How will the drawing work?
  Beginning June 6th, 2025, interested individuals who live outside of the Park Zones will complete an online entry form. Contact information will be collected and a random lottery number will be issued at a later point. The entry period will last until June 29th. On July 1, representatives from the Park will conduct the drawing via Zoom, which will be open to all entrants and recorded. The representative will use a computerized randomizer to sort the list of entry numbers. Selected entries will be contacted by email with instructions for formal application and the remaining entries will remain on a waitlist. If any selected entrants decline their invitation to apply for membership, waitlisted individuals will be contacted. After July 18th, the window for application will close and no waitlist will be maintained. We will conduct this process with full transparency and anonymity to ensure 100% fairness and confidence in the process.
  
  
• How many memberships will be available?
  There will be 50 new out-of-zone memberships available for 2025. The number of memberships available will vary from year to year, as it is based on in-zone membership levels and Park capacity. 
  
  
• Can I register more than once? 
  No. Only one registration per household.

• If I’m selected, can my family members join?
  Yes, Class III Memberships include all immediate family members (2 adults and up to 8 children) residing in your home. One additional guest can be registered for a fee (see below).   

• If I’m selected, can my babysitter join?
  Yes, a caregiver may be added to your membership for an additional annual fee of $149.10. 

• How much will it cost?
  The fees are precisely what in-zone applicants and returning members pay. Dues range from $49.10 for seniors to $368.55 per year for a family of 3 or more. This amount is billed annually with a renewal date of April 1. A one-time initiation fee of $200 is also due at the time of joining. A full list of membership types and dues can be found here.

• If I’m selected, when will I need to pay the membership fee? 
  After you are notified of an open slot, you will have 8 days to submit your application and pay initial membership dues. 
  
  
• Is a tennis membership included?
  No, a tennis membership is not included but can be purchased separately. Find more information here.
  
  
• Do all members have to volunteer?
  

  All memberships (except non-voting seniors) must volunteer, ranging from 6 hours for a single membership to 12 hours for a family membership. These hours can be fulfilled in a wide variety of ways, according to abilities and preferences. Examples include selling refreshments at events, baking for bake sales, cleaning up toys, gardening, or serving on a committee.

• Will there be a waitlist after the lottery?
  All entries NOT selected during the lottery will be placed in random order on the waitlist for two weeks. If anyone who was selected decides not to join, individuals on the waitlist will be notified of an open slot. The waitlist will expire on July 30th. Those not selected can reapply next Open Call.

• Are friends or family of current members given priority in this lottery?
  No, family and friends of current members are not given priority. The lottery will use anonymity to ensure that the selection process is random. 
  
  
• What activities are available at the Park?
  The Park features a track, skate ramp, ping pong table, baseball diamond, soccer goals, tennis courts (separate membership), basketball courts, sprinklers, playgrounds and a picnicking area. In addition, many events and organized activities are held at the Park throughout the year.
  
  
• Can I visit the Park before I apply?
  If you would like to visit, please email membership@sunnysidegardenspark.org to request a tour.  You can also stop by the Park and ring the doorbell near the entry gate. If a Park employee is available, they can let you in and show you around. 
  
  
• What are the borders of the membership zone?
  The zone map can be viewed here: https://sunnysidegardenspark.org/Zones. Please note: if you live in Zone you do not need to apply via the lottery. Complete your application form today! 
  
  
• If I am selected and join, will I need to re-enter the Open Call every time?
  No. Once you apply and join, you are a regular member of the Park and will simply renew your membership yearly. You will not need to participate in the lottery again to retain your membership. 

• If I’m not selected, is there any other way I can join the Park?
  At this time Park membership is limited to residents in a specified zone near the Park, as well as those selected during this process. Non-members are allowed to visit the Park as guests of members, or to attend Park events that are open to the public. Tennis memberships (which do not include full Park access) are available to people who live both in and outside of the Park’s zone. 
  
  
• How does the Park work in terms of being “volunteer-led?”
  While the Park has a few paid employees, the vast majority of operations are taken care of by members who volunteer. There is a volunteer requirement for most members; this fosters our sense of community and a shared responsibility for our Park. Volunteers serve on the Park board and other committees that serve a variety of purposes from taking care of the Park grounds, organizing sports activities or putting on events for the community.