June 2, 2011 By Christian Murray
Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer and Queens Borough President Helen Marshall held a joint press conference on June 2 to reveal plans to improve the George F. Tornsey Park in Sunnyside, often referred to as Lou Lodati Park because Lodati Playground is within it.
Van Bramer and Marshall have allocated $700,000 each toward the project, which was strongly welcomed by members of the Sunnyside United Dog Society, since the redesign includes a modern dog run.
Van Bramer said that redesign was a priority. He said the park will feature many improvements, which include better “lighting and basketball courts, the regreening of the entire park, ecuavoli courts (similar to volleyball), better fencing to secure the children’s area, and a needed resurfacing of the softball field.”
Enticing photographs were on display of the flora to be planted in the coming flower beds, which included wild ginger, sweet violets and cinnamon ferns.
Joseph Conley, chairman of Community Board 2, said: “Rick Duro (current SUDS President) might have felt he was chasing his tail around… as this effort took many people many years. It took two dedicated people, Jimmy and Helen, to come together to get this done for all of us.”
The press conference was crowded with those who accompanied dogs, including Annie, Spring Moon above, Dempsey, Shanghai, D.J., Munchie, Harper and Matilda.
The rebuilding is set to begin in September of 2012, with its completion scheduled to be spring of 2013.
Photo: QueensPost
