Long Island City park secures funding for Sandy repairs

A beloved Long Island City park, nicknamed “Shady Park” for its signature tall trees, will finally regain some of the shade Sandy took away.

Working together with the Friends of Shady Park — a group of neighbors advocating for the repair of Andrews Grove Playground – Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer’s office has secured $10,000 in private funding from JetBlue and Warner Bros. to help restore the 2.3-acre park to its original state.

Andrews Grove, located on 49th Avenue between Fifth Street and Vernon Boulevard, received significant damage to its play equipment, safety surfaces, fencing and immense trees from Sandy.

Sheila Lewandowski, co-founder of Friends of Shady Park, recalled being heartbroken as she looked out of her window and saw trees fall one by one during the storm. She started Friends of Shady Park with Caroline Paul the day after.

“Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer’s efforts and his success in securing the funds to restore Shady Park is like healing our hearts. We can’t wait to help replant the first tree,” said Lewandowski.

The park reopened in December, yet a damaged section remains closed for repairs.

“It’s a changing community, and this park was one of the gems that continues to bring all generations together,” said

Lewandowski. “It’s something very special about it that crosses generations, and it appeals to people whether they’ve lived here for 60 years or they just moved in.”