Slope Park may soon be on level ground with more modern green spaces in the borough.
The park, located on Sixth Avenue between 18th and 19th Streets, was the recent recipient of an infusion of taxpayer dollars allocated by two local lawmakers, money that will go to refurbishing the recreational expanse.
For the fiscal year ending earlier in the summer, City Councilmember Sara González secured $660,000, and for the upcoming year she has obtained an additional $1.14 million for the work, which will cost an estimated $1.85 million, Councilmember Bill de Blasio secured the additional funding the project will need.
“I am thrilled to have been able to come through in this way for my District,” González said in a statement. “Slope Park is a beautiful space that the surrounding community truly cares about. This funding will ensure the park and playground are safe, vibrant, and beautiful spaces for families and children to enjoy. I am proud that despite these difficult economic times, we have come together to show that open, green space is, and must remain, a priority for our neighborhoods.”
Phil Abramson, a spokesperson for the Department of Parks and Recreation, said a scope of work meeting will be convened soon.“It needs to be completely redesigned because there is not enough space where the older play equipment is to satisfy modern requirements – so we can’t justremove and replace what’s there,” he said in response to an e-mail inquiry.
Miguel Hernandez, González’s legislative director, said concerns from the neighborhood group Friends of Slope Park focused attention to outmoded play equipment and overgrown roots. “They felt it wasn’t up to proper safety standards,” he said.
González is planning to announce the funding at an Aug. 8 event at the park.
— Gary Buiso
