New York City, a metropolis built on concrete and steel, may soon be getting another green space. As part of his 2018 State of the State address, delivered on January 3, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced plans to construct a 407-acre, waterfront state park “on federal land fronting” Jamaica Bay.
New York State has already signed preliminary agreements with the National Park Service to bring Cuomo’s vision to life. The design phase of the project is now under way, with the first phase of the park, which costs $15 million, anticipated to open in 2019. Take a look at the recently release renderings:
Renderings from Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
According to CurbedNY, the new green space will be built on parcels of land that were once home to two enormous landfills: the former Pennsylvania Avenue and Fountain Avenue Landfills, which were given to the National Park Service in 1974. A $235 remediation effort has been taking place on these sites since 2002, which capped and covered the landfills with soil, trees and grass. Today, the site boasts a new ecosystem that is home to local wildlife.
Renderings from Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
“We are committed to ensuring every New Yorker can access the recreational, health and community benefits of open space, and this park will open new doors to wellness for New Yorkers who need it most,” the governor said in a statement.
Renderings from Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Paid for by government funds, the proposed park is being developed by New York State Parks. The project would open up 3.5 miles of waterfront, and offer access to hiking trails, an amphitheater and a bridge that goes over the bay. In addition to activities like kayaking, fishing and biking, the park will have amenities like concession stands, comfort stations and even environmental education facilities.
If successfully carried out, the green space would become one of just a handful of state parks in New York City. It would also provide public access to the land — a first in New York City history, according to Patch.com.
Next, check out discover the NYC That Never Was: The Jamaica Bay-Flushing Canal and see our previous coverage of Jamaica Bay.
