$3.2 Million Pledged To Restore New York Islands
New York State has pledged more than $3.2 million to protect and restore Randall’s and Wards Island Park in the East River near New York City.
The new funding is part of a joint effort of the state, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Randall’s Island Sports Foundation to increase public access and enjoyment of this urban park.
Randall’s and Wards Island Park consists of two connected islands in the middle of the East River at the intersection of the Triborough Bridge, which links Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx. The 480 acre park is half the size of Central Park and contains miles of shoreline, beaches and inland wetlands.
Using funds from the State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), the state and city will undertake the restoration of 14 acres of wetlands in the Little Hell Gate Inlet on the western edge of the park and reconstruct a half mile of shoreline adjacent to a new waterfront pedestrian and bicycle path on the Harlem River.
These projects will preserve rare plants and breeding areas for birds and aquatic organisms, while also helping to reduce the impact of non-point source pollution.
The Randall’s Island Sports Foundation (RISF), in private-public partnership with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, established a master plan for Randall’s and Wards Island Park and commissioned the shoreline and wetlands restoration project to promote the reuse of this waterfront resource.
“We appreciate the strong support Governor Pataki has provided for this project, which means so much to young people in New York,” said Richard Lewis, chair of the Randall’s Island Sports Foundation, Inc. This funding will help make Randall’s Island a place where families can play, learn and be entertained.”
The shoreline restoration project will help to create recreational opportunities on nine acres of inaccessible waterfront parkland. The surrounding rivers, waterways and inlets provide a visual backdrop for activities inland and along the shoreline and the southern end of the island is a popular fishing area for large bluefish and striped bass.
Efforts to restore wetlands and repair shorelines damaged by erosion and use are part of the overall plan to protect and enhance the island.
Provided by theEnvironmental News Service.
