Remodeled Seward Park Reopens to the Public
The remodeled Seward Park is now open to the public.
Completed in just about six months, this $6.4 million capital works project refreshed many of the deteriorating conditions of the park. And in arguably record timing.
Improvements include new park furnishings, equipment, expanded garden area, and renovated library plaza.
Yet probably the most significant change is the lowered height of the perimeter fence from seven to four feet. This change was quite polarizing when heard before Community Board 3 back in 2017, during which some felt that loitering would increase since the area tends to get pretty dicey at nightfall. All entrances are open during park hours, but gates locked at night.
Official fete is this Thursday (December 12) with the obligatory ribbon cutting ceremony, as noted.
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.
Recent Stories
Protest Violence: LES Small Businesses Vandalized
A fifth night of protests spilled onto lower Orchard Street yesterday, as several businesses were vandalized. The Roasting Plant coffee shop, R&D (formerly Brigitte) on Canal street, and the Alexander Olch boutique, were all hit. Shattered windows and looting. It’s unclear what was taken from each store. With regard to Olch’s store, vandals tagged it […]
Scenes from the Looted Streets of Downtown [PHOTOS]
A weekend of violent protests and looting – fueled by the death of George Floyd at the hand of Minneapolis cops – left downtown Manhattan charred and shattered. Businesses in SoHo up to Union Square were some of the hardest hit. Boogie contributor Eddie Panta was eyewitness to the smash-and-grab bedlam. Part I: The Nike Store […]
DIY Banner Hung Above FDR Drive in Tribute to George Floyd
Whenever an event of significance hits the news, neighbors can easily expect a new banner unfurled on the Delancey Street foot bridge over the FDR. Indeed, for the third time in as many months, a new message. “I can’t breathe,” a tribute to George Floyd, for whom these were final words. While being placed in […]
Despite Lockdown, ‘Bel-Fries’ Overcrowded Ludlow Street with a Major Party on Sunday
What lockdown? In Hell Square, it’s almost as if the last few months were in vain. Sunday afternoon saw an overflowing party for the opening Bel-Fries on Ludlow Street. It was seemingly planned for maximum marketing value, despite the COVID-19 lockdown. A “Miami style” event with luxury cars, deejay booth, professional photo rigs, and plenty […]
Aerial Photos Call into Question City’s Decision to Fully Demolish 70 Mulberry Street
On the evening of January 23, as Chinatown residents prepared for the Lunar New Year, a devastating five-alarm fire decimated the former PS23 at 70 Mulberry Street. Nearly five months later, many in the neighborhood continue to question the city’s choice to fully demolish the facility. Especially after the emergence of aerial photos showing the […]
