By Juan Soto
After years of being off limits, the Queensbridge Park seawall was finally restored and opened to the public.
It was only last summer that hard hats began work on the $6.65 million project, after years of red tape and a lack of funding.
But on Tuesday, community leaders, residents and elected officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the reconstructed seawall, built approximately 80 years ago to prevent erosion.
The completion of the project “restores access to the waterfront, access that has been denied for far too long,” said City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside).
The restoration of the seawall became a reality when Van Bramer allocated $3.65 million to the project. Former Borough President Helen Marshall, the city and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority each added $1 million to complete the reconstruction.
“This project ensures that Long Island City residents are better protected and better able to enjoy full access to their waterfront,” said Mitchell Silver, the city Parks commissioner.
The reconstruction of the seawall, according to the Parks Department, was made with rip-rap revetment, large rocks that protect the shoreline and lessen the effects of erosion.
In addition, Parks plans to renovate the park house at Queensbridge Park. Van Bramer secured $2.5 million for the restoration. The project includes space for teams that use the playing fields all-year long.
Reach reporter Juan Soto by e-mail at jsoto@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4564.
