It appears that the city Parks Department has not only neglected Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which has been reported to two commissioners for decades, but it is neglecting to accommodate the people trying to get into and use Fort Totten Park.
There was an enormous development going on at the parking lot in front of the fort. There was difficulty getting into the fort and no parking. If we did get in, we would have to look for parking on Bell Boulevard — not quite near the park and rarely with parking spots available. My husband and I wanted to take a relaxing stroll in the park, but our stress levels were rising. We did not want to take a trek.
After we convinced security, with evidence I could not walk even from the parking lot if it was available, he allowed us to drive on to the fort.
We were told not to park on the street, but there was little parking available and I saw no handicapped parking at all.
We, the people who fought hard to ensure that Fort Totten would not be developed and were elated that the Parks Department was overseeing it, never thought wanting to stroll in the park would lead to interrogation and a refusal to park. We were assured enough parking accommodations would be accommodated where the 1950s housing stood. Thank you, politicians, for not overseeing the over-lookers: the Parks Department.
Last but not least, to deter the public from strolling by the waterfront with beautiful scenery, they had no trash receptacles. Just in case someone wanted to picnic by the benches, they had to search for a receptacle. There was no sign for a bathroom. I hope our tax dollars are not sent there to accommodate the taxpayers, and if so, our taxes are going someplace else.
One nice part of our stroll was watching a softball team of kids playing and other kids romping in the pool. It made me wish I could play softball and swim, but all we wanted to do was relax and take a serene stroll. We made the best of it and the views and waterfront while strolling or just sitting on a bench was worth the stress, but it is not the picture of a park for all the people that we were promised.
How about a reporter going in undercover and experiencing how it is to visit Fort Totten? Try a weekend day. Bring a cane or walker.
Joyce Shepard
Bayside
