The parking lot at Little Bay Park in Whitestone can fit nearly 100 more vehicles after being expanded as part of a $6.659 million reconstruction project of the park’s amenities.
Public officials and Parks Department representatives were on hand to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the park, and classic cars were on display as part of the event. The new parking lot was expanded to include 224 spaces, 99 more than were previously there.
“This parking lot has been sorely needed by the community and I am thankful that the construction had completed, allowing its use for the whole summer,” Councilman Paul Vallone said. “As we gear up for summer events such as local sports games and the July 1 fireworks show, the newly expanded parking lot will be important for maximizing the accessibility of Fort Totten and I also look forward to the completion of the comfort station by the end of the fall.”
Green infrastructure was also added for increased stormwater management.
Twenty-nine new retention tanks will capture and manage all of the site’s stormwater runoff, eventually releasing it back into the ground to minimize any strain on the city’s stormwater sewage system. Bioswales, or raised beds of soil and plants meant to capture and filter rainwater into the ground, were also installed above the retention tanks and planted with perennials, grasses, trees and shrubs.
The project was funded through $3.65 million allocated by the mayor, $720,000 from the City Council and $2.016 million in federal grants. Although work on the comfort station was delayed due to bad weather, construction is now underway and scheduled for completion this fall.
“This summer, you can bike, jog or drive to Little Bay Park,” said Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski. “No matter how you got here, Little Bay and neighboring Fort Totten Park are popular destinations for visitors from around Queens to enjoy sports, recreation and waterfront views.”
The Little Bay Park is bound on the south by the Cross Island Parkway, and is directly adjacent to the Little Bay on the north. It offers clear views of the Throgs Neck Bridge, which runs up to the west of the park.
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