DEIS: Parkland concerns; Parks facilities

PARKS FACILITIES

Draft EIS states:

However, NYCDPR may choose to vary the new facilities to provide replacements that are not exactly the same as those displaced, but are equal or greater in use and value. For example, NYCDPR in consultation with the local community may replace some of the existing handball courts with alternative recreational facilities that meet current community needs.

NYCDPR would replace 18 of the existing handball courts with alternative recreational facilities that meet current community needs, because many of the existing handball courts remain unused during peak summer hours. In this case, basketball courts may be more useful to current recreational needs.

The sections of the park that would not be affected by the proposed project contain play equipment, a marine animal-themed spray shower, ballfields, lawn, benches, an outdoor pool, basketball courts, swings, a skate park (for skateboards, rollerblades, and rollerskates), and the Mullaly Recreation Center.

Response:

NYCDPR should strive to provide the community with the best facilities possible. If this means changing the types of mitigation structures proposed, then that should be done – BUT ONLY WITH COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT. Decisions on new park amenities should be made from the “bottom-up” through the Community Board, not from the “top-down” from the Mayor’s office or the Parks Commissioner.