The New York City Parks Department, New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes and City Council Member Justin Brannan on Tuesday announced a new round of funding to improve the waterfront parks of Bay Ridge.
The funds includes $6.4 million for the construction of modern, accessible comfort stations at both ends of Shore Road Park, as part of broader efforts to revitalize the area, according to a press release.
The investments also cover upgrades to Shore Road promenade, Vinland Playground and John Paul Jones Park, along with new greenway enhancements at Leif Ericson Park and improved walking paths at Owl’s Head Park.
"The thousands of people across Brooklyn who use the promenade every day deserve nothing less,” said Gounardes. “Today, we’re ensuring the promenade and surrounding parks are built to meet all our communities' needs and stay safe, vibrant and resilient for generations to come.”
Shore Road Park will see significant upgrades, including expanded green spaces between bike and pedestrian paths, new lighting at promenade entrances, and the addition of amenities such as game tables, bike racks, drinking fountains, viewfinders and seating. The Fourth Avenue entrance will feature ADA-compliant ramps, a new overlook and a sloped lawn. The park’s permeable green space will double under the redesign.
"Shore Road Park was my backyard growing up," said Brannan. "These upgrades will make our local waterfront park the best it can be for generations to come."
Community organizations like the Brooklyn Greenway Initiative lauded the effort.
"This is a great plan put forward by NYC Parks," said Hunter Armstrong, the group’s executive director. "Already popular for its waterfront views, the planned open green space expansion, ADA access, and new restroom facilities will bring even more benefits to residents."
Construction on the projects is expected to advance in phases, the press release said.
This new funding, which advances the vision outlined in the Destination: Greenways program, brings recent public investment in these Bay Ridge green spaces to nearly $58 million.
