With $6.4M Remodeling of Seward Park Underway, Pols Celebrate Official Groundbreaking
The multimillion-dollar renovation of Seward Park is already six months deep. But the official groundbreaking transpired Friday morning with token media display and shovel poses.
Councilwoman Margaret Chin joined Parks Department Commissioner Mitchell Silver, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and members of Community Board 3 to celebrate the $6.4 million construction project.
As previously reported, the Seward Park Conservancy fought the last several years for funding to upgrade the 3.4-acre green space, the first municipal playground in the United States. The monetary boost came as part of the “Parks Without Borders” program to reinvigorate the century-old parkland.
Below are some quick hits about the remodeling of Seward Park:
- The Library plaza space (decommissioned part of Jefferson Street) replaced with surfacing in the “academic paving pattern” seen in places like the Columbia University; refrwshed garden area, tables, lawn, and small amphitheater.
- Schiff Mall – where the dry fountain sits – to receive new “blue stone” pavers. (The fountain itself is not part of the upgrade slate.)
- Lower perimeter fence.
- Outdoor exercise area by the remodeled basketball courts.
These improvements are certainly a long time coming; the last time the park received such major overhaul was during the 2000-era makeover.
Scheduled completion is Fall 2019, but don’t be surprised by any extended delays.
Seward Park Plan by BoweryBoogie on Scribd
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