March 10, 2016 By Jackie Strawbridge
The Hunters Point Parks Conservancy has been awarded $12,000 in State funds for upgrades to Gantry Plaza State Park.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the award Wednesday, which is a 15 percent matching grant from the Environmental Protection Fund. HPPC is responsible for raising an additional $1,800, for a total project budget of $13,800.
HPPC was one of 20 grassroots organizations that won funds for stewardship and promotion of State parks and historic sites, totaling $450,000.
The funds will go towards replacing damaged the large “Andirondack” chairs, cast iron tree grates and broken light fixtures in Gantry. It will also support a postcard campaign to publicize HPPC-led planting, gardening, weeding and cleanup events at the park.
“We worked very closely with park officials to identify needed upgrades and improvements for Gantry Plaza State Park that would improve the experience for all visitors to the park,” HPPC president Rob Basch said in a statement. “We lead volunteer events Saturday mornings throughout the spring, summer and fall and we hope this grant will allow us to reach more people and bring additional volunteers to help out.”
Basch said he hopes to start upgrade work and publicity materials out within the next few weeks, before summer season gets in gear.
“These grants will help preserve New York’s natural green spaces while also boosting tourism and strengthening local economies,” Cuomo said in a statement. “Our parks, trails and historic sites are some of the best outdoor destinations in the nation, and this funding will help ensure they remain in peak condition for years to come.”
