Rendering Provided by NYC Department of Transportation (DOT)
May 4, 2013 By Christian Murray
How about doing a few pull-ups before catching the subway?
Well, Sunnyside residents will be offered that opportunity come summer time when artwork/exercise equipment is erected underneath the 40th Street subway station.
The new plan was presented by the Department of Transportation before Community Board 2 on Thursday—with a spokeswoman for the DOT stating that the structure would enhance the space as well as provide some practical use.
“I’m trying to bring art and function [to the area],” said Darren Goins, the artist, who worked with the Sunnyside Woodside Boys & Girls Club in putting together the design. “It’s about the concept of simple shapes…with simple equipment.”
The equipment, as seen in the rendering, will be made of stainless steel and be surrounded by rubber for safety purposes. Signs will accompany it to ensure people know how to use it.
A spokeswoman for the DOT said that the equipment/artwork will be up for one year—and then it will be taken down. It will be up to the artist and the Sunnyside Woodside Boys & Girls Club to maintain it during that period.
The community board endorsed the concept, with the proviso that it be cleaned every week.
Members of the board were concerned that the structure would be an attraction for pigeons and might get dirty.
