Spiffy new fields, a renovated playground and a modernized concession stand make the Parade Ground a popular destination for local families and athletes.
Soon, the park will have another, basic necessity fulfilled, as work gets underway for a new comfort station.
The design for the new comfort station was approved by members of Community Board 14, who unanimously voted in favor of the plans for the new facility, at their May meeting, held at Edward R. Murrow High School, 1600 Avenue L.
The plans had previously been shown to members of the board’s Community Environment Committee, during a meeting held at the board office, 810 East 16th Street.
Robert Newman, the co−chairperson of the Community Environment Committee, said that the city’s Department of Parks & Recreation plans to commence construction this fall, with the opening of the comfort station planned for summer, 2010. A total of $575,000 in funding for the project was provided by three elected officials, Assemblymembers James Brennan, Rhoda Jacobs and Joan Millman, Newman said.
Prior to the vote, Newman described the plans for fellow board members. The new comfort station, he said, will be, “Located in the center of the Parade Ground, adjacent to the concession stand.
“A graffiti−resistant red brick structure is planned, with clerestory plexiglass windows.” Newman told his listeners. The women’s bathroom with have three toilets and two sinks. The men’s bathroom will have a toilet, two urinals and two sinks. There will also be a wheelchair−accessible bathroom with a toilet and a sink, Newman said. He also told his listeners that, should additional funding become available, the comfort station could be expanded.
Once it is completed, the comfort station is expected to be open from 8 a.m. until dusk, from early April through mid−to−late October, Newman said. It will be maintained by Parks Department staffers, he added.
