Beautifying the Coney Island Boardwalk was a barrel of laughs on Sunday, as more than 100 residents, beachgoers, and elected officials gathered on the iconic seaside walkway to paint trash cans with colorful seascapes and carnival-themed art.
Parks Department workers provided paint and brushes to students from local schools and Coney fans who braved the rain to decorate the drab metal trash barrels, which will grace the wooden promenade through the end of October.
The annual art fest, known as “Boardwalk Barrels of Fun,” was sponsored by Councilman Domenic Recchia (D–Coney Island) and People’s Playground mainstays such as Deno’s Wonder Wheel, the New York Aquarium, Luna Park, and Scream Zone.
“Boardwalk Barrels of Fun is one of my favorite ways to usher in the summer season,” Recchia said. “There is nothing quite as rewarding as having friends and neighbors come together to create colorful barrels that will brighten up the Boardwalk.”
Participants said the rainy weather couldn’t dampen their excitement for the start of summer.
“It was terrific despite the drizzle,” said Community Board 13 District Manager Chuck Reichenthal. “We want to make the trash cans very attractive on the Boardwalk so that they’ll get used during the summer months.”
Reach reporter Daniel Bush at dbush@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-8310. Follow him at twitter.com/dan_bush.
