Now that Phase III Construction is pretty much complete (save for the sidewalks), there will be a “ribbon cutting” ceremony with the new Parks Commissioner, Mitchell Silver (tomorrow) Tuesday, June 10th, 1 p.m. at Holley Plaza, west of the Fountain.
Announcement from the Parks Department:
NYC PARKS CUTS THE RIBBON ON COMPLETION OF THIRD PHASE OF RESTORATIONS TO WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK
NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, will join NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Dr. Feniosky Peña-Mora, City Council Members Margaret Chin and Corey Johnson, Community Board 2 Chair David Gruber, and children from P.S. 41, to cut the ribbon on the third phase of the renovations to Washington Square Park, celebrating the completion of the park’s $30.6 million restoration.
It’s a little odd because, unlike when Phase I opened, none of these people really have had anything to do with the park or the park redesign process. Alas…
($30.6 million is for sure not a final number although I wonder why C.B. 2 put in its conservancy “resolution” that the cost was $40 million… inflating numbers much?)
DETAILS:
The goal of Washington Square Park’s renovation was to create a renewed sense of place, with a design by Parks Landscape Architect George Vellonakis that restored and upgraded the park’s significant features, while preserving its rich history of diversity.
The first phase included a renovated and accessible plaza, the restored fountain, and expanded lawns and new planting beds that dramatically increase the park’s green space. The second phase included an enhanced playground, a stage, petanque courts, a small dog run, a new chess plaza, as well as sitting areas, landscaping, fencing, light poles and paths.
The new third phase, funded with $8.2 million from the Office of the Mayor with its construction overseen by the NYC Department of Design and Construction, includes a park house with restrooms for the public and space for Parks maintenance staff, a large dog run, and a new playground for kids of all ages.
Additional work to restore the park’s perimeter sidewalks will begin this winter featuring hex pavers, tree pits and granite curbs.
It’s sort of fun to go back to read what I wrote in 2009 about Phase I’s “ribbon cutting” ceremony: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Washington Square Park May 28, 2009: Report-back