If you thought our awesome new water front couldn’t get any longer, wait for a few more months when Hunters Point South’s waterfront opens up! There will be 11 acres of water front and park combined into a modern boardwalk.

The site is waterfront and city, gateway and sanctuary, blank slate and pentimento. These readings suggest an approach to the landscape that enhances what is unique about the site, while framing a new multi-layered identity as a recreational and cultural destination. New open spaces with connections to the surrounding communities provide access to the water’s edge and spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.

 

via Curbed

After Hurricane Sandy…

We love viewer mail and always love answering questions to the best of our abilities:

It’s true that only one section of Shady Park is currently open and there is a lot of rebuilding to be done throughout the rest of the park, however we did noticed that the swings seem to be in good shape. It’s more the access to the swings that may be a bit tricky.

LIC Spot contacted key people at the NYC Parks Department and was able to get the wheels in motion.

According to them, “Queens has done a review of the damaged areas from the storm and is now finishing up site assessments with FEMA staff where they will determine the amount of money that will be allocated for the repairs. I think once this is determined, Parks will be contracting the repairs out.” No word on the timeline with this. 

Asked if there was a way to open up at least the undamaged swings they quickly and graciously replied, “I will ask that our maintenance personnel inspect the swing area again and find out if there is a way to safely let patrons access that area without entering any zone that is still unsafe to use.”

There is still the issue of replanting of trees and Friends of Shady Park informed us that there are quite a few options that are being considered, however when we spoke to our contacts at the Parks Department a few months back they stated that any tree that were to be planted at Shady Park would have to wait until the Spring when the ground was warmer.

Onward and forward!

It was announced that the park would be partially opened tomorrow as well. If you happen to walk by the park you’ll notice giant orange cones where the trees once stood. There is plenty of asphalt (and bouncy flooring) to replace as well as a set of monkey bars. We were told that the new trees would not go in until the Spring as planting cannot be done during the winter months.

Some of the fencing was also damaged but all in all the park seems in tact.

Check out the video above to see how everyone got together to help.

photo by LIC Spot.com

As most of the big clean up is done by the Parks Department at Shady Park, Friends of Shady Park is inviting everyone in LIC to help with the smaller clean up on Friday, December 14th:

Workers cutting trees into pieces before removing them.

Early this morning the chain saws began buzzing and never stopped until sunset. Most of the work has been done with the exception of two massive trees in the back. As for the damage, we’ve been informed that only the center play area has been damaged a bit. The swings and the slide on the very right have no damage. The crew wasn’t sure when the city would allow children back in, but seeing that there wasn’t extensive damage so we can assume it won’t take too long. Clean up will be done by tomorrow.

It’s not shady anymore…

As for the trees, most of them will be converted into mulch. They were giving away “cookies” (small rounds of branches) to children throughout the day and willing to give larger pieces to artists (if you ask kindly).

The oak trees were the only ones that survived, which says a lot about the roots on oak trees. This crew was hired out of state and travelled a long ways to get here, so we ask you guys to do what good neighbors do…go and thank them. Perhaps you made a few extra cupcakes? Or have some warm apple cider? I think they would appreciate it.

We have posted a 180 degree picture of what it’s like to be in the park. Take a look at it here.

Also, here’s a video of the workers finishing up for the day.

Workers early this morning removing trees.

The cleanup at Shady Park started early this morning with chain saws and numerous park workers. We are hearing that there was minimal damage to the playground equipment (though some of the fencing has been obviously damaged) and the crew should be finished removing all of the trees by the end of the day!

It could just take a few days to allow children back into Shady Park, though it’s not been confirmed.

We’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, here’s a video of the scene this morning.

We’ve just gotten word from Friends of Shady Park that the Partnerships for Parks will begin cleaning up Shady Park tomorrow, November 14th. They are asking for people parked in front of the park to move their cars or risk being towed.

Because of the enormous fallen trees, they will be using massive cranes to remove the trunks. Initially the city was going to take care of the park on November 2nd, but one quick visit to the park revealed that this job was to big to handle and had to wait a bit.

Parts of the trees will be left on the curb in case anyone (a local artist?) would like to re-use it.

Shady Park’s official name is John Andrews Park. In fact, John Andrews was a local LIC activist and his birthday was December 15th.  An event is being planned to commemorate the park on his birthday this year. More info to follow.

They’re baaaaack…

Remember the red adirondack chairs that were stolen by houligans over a year ago from Gantry State Park? Well, they’re back…and this time, they’re here to stay.

Or are they? 

The chairs have been bolted down to the wooden boardwalk near the large lawn. However, if you look closely below, it doesn’t seem to be a bolt that those same houligans can’t get around.

So…how long until these guys are gone? Anyone care to wage?

Photo by LIC Spot

There’s nothing more serene in Long Island City than walking up Gantry Park’s walkway on a lazy Sunday afternoon…particularly around the new area, adjacent to the Pepsi Cola sign.  It even smells like a new park!

But stroll up north past the sign, all the way to the end where it’s still closed off, and you’ll notice a massive (like 10 ft. wide) gaping hole in the middle of the walkway. Our intense curiosity has forced us to dig deep (sorry for the pun) and find out something absolutely amazing.

According to our inside-source the hole will house a viewing station for the East River!

There’s no doubt that very soon this hole alone will be the best reason to live in Long Island City.

photo via liveatthegantries.com/

Starting last week (oops) Gantry State Park will host Live at the Gantries concerts every Tuesday, and we highly recommend checking out some of the bands. For example, this Tuesday (7/14) you’ll get to meet The Ebony Hillbillies who perform a mix of jazz, blues, bluegrass, rockabilly, rock and roll, and country.

Oh yeah, and they look like they’re ready to rock it:

photo by Weston Wells