Talk about a view.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg gathered with local elected officials, community members and residents on Wednesday to cut the ribbon on the new 5.5-acre Hunter’s Point South Park located on Center Boulevard in Long Island City.
“Opening up more of our city’s waterfront for public enjoyment has been a top priority for this administration,” said Bloomberg. “Around the city, we’ve reclaimed abandoned or neglected parts of our waterfront, and turning them into innovative open spaces. I know that Hunter’s Point South Waterfront Park will quickly join the list of beloved green spaces along our city’s shores.”
The park features a central open green space, an urban beach with actual sand, a rail garden, dog run and play area featuring a children’s playground and basketball courts. It will also include a 13,000-square-foot pavilion housing comfort stations, concessions and an elevated café plaza.
“One of the premiere neighborhoods in all of New York City is getting better every single day,” said Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer, who helped secure funds to bring natural grass to the park. “For decades to come, future generations of Long Island City residents and Queens parkgoers will be able to enjoy the panoramic views of New York City’s skyline on 5.5- acres of parkland that have never existed before.”
Hunter’s Point South Park was also constructed to be prepared for any future natural disasters and flooding of the East River.
The park is part of the Hunter’s Point South development project which broke ground in March on the first phase of construction. The first two residential buildings will include 925 permanently affordable apartments and around 17,000 square feet of retail space. In addition to the buildings, this phase includes a new school which is almost near completion and will house The Academy for Careers in Television and Film High School and a middle school, together seating 1,100 students.
This project will be the largest new affordable housing complex to be constructed in New York City since the 1970s.
“Long Island City is the most exciting neighborhood in New York and as it continues to grow, it is crucial that public access to the East River waterfront is secured,” said State Senator Michael Gianaris. “Together with Gantry State Park, the LIC waterfront will now be a jewel among New York’s parks.”
Construction of the park was led by the City Economic Development Corporation, and landscape architecture firm Thomas Balsley Associates and architect firm Weiss/Manfredi designed the park. It will be operated and maintained by the Parks Department.
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