Photo: QueensPost
Sept. 14, 2012 By Bill Parry
An official groundbreaking ceremony took place at Lou Lodati Park (Skillman Ave. and 43rd Street) Friday morning to mark its long awaited renovation.
Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer shared the podium with Queens Borough President Helen Marshall in front of a crowd of P.S. 150 students and members of the Sunnyside United Dog Society (SUDS), who were accompanied by their dogs.
The renovation was largely the result of a grass-roots campaign by SUDS—and its leader Rick Duro—who pushed for nearly a decade for a dog run and park upgrades. The group’s goal became one of Van Bramer’s campaign promises two and a half years ago.
“I keep on my desk a list of things that I pledged during my campaign,” the councilman said.
However, Van Bramer added that the renovation was never just about installing a dog run.
“When SUDS first approached me…, it spurred in me the desire to fix the entire park,” he said, adding that the revamp will be a great asset to the community.
The $1.4 million cost of the project has been split between Van Bramer and Marshall’s offices.
JoAnne Amagrande, the chief of staff of Queens Parks and Recreation, said the project should be completed by next August if the city experiences a mild winter.
For details on the plans, click here for a previous story.
