More than one year after a cave-in caused its closure, construction on the 97th Street ramp entrance at Shore Road Park will begin by the fall, according to an announcement made by Councilmember Vincent Gentile and the New York City Parks Department on Thursday, July 27.
Construction on the $2.7 million walkway, which will feature fresh ferns, grass, shrubbery and arbors of evergreens, is scheduled to begin in late August, giving parkgoers easier access to benches and St. Patrick’s Field. According to Gentile, construction on the ramp is expected to be completed within one year.
“My leadership and advocacy on this important safety issue led to NYC Parks beginning construction for the new ramp in Shore Road Park at 97th Street,” said Gentile. “My strong support for our parks and local school sports teams continues with ensuring that everyone can safely access the frequented ball fields.”
According to Parks Department spokesperson Crystal Howard, building the ramp to ADA standards “made the design and engineering a little more complicated than originally planned; however, NYC Parks has completed this design work. As this is a part of an emergency contract, the procurement process is shortened, allowing us to expedite the project.”
Renovations on the ramp were first confirmed at a Community Board 10 meeting by Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Martin Maher in April, 2017. During the meeting, Maher noted that the new layout will contain a staircase, a softly-curved ramp, new lighting fixtures and skate stops.
“We know that the ramp being out of service has been a terrible inconvenience,” said CB 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann. “The community board has been advocating for restoration work on the ramp and we are happy with the progress. The good news is that construction is set, but the even better news is that the design will benefit more parkgoers. The time line and the work are proceeding as scheduled.”
ADAMS FOR MAYOR: Eric Will Lift A Lamp “Beside The Golden Door”