Fort Greene Park-Goers Want New Paths, Erosion Control, A Dog Run, And More With New Funds
There is a $3 million capital construction project coming to Fort Greene Park in the next couple of years and among the priorities/goals to be tackled by the Parks Department are safe/paved pathways and addressing the erosion and drainage issues which result in things like “Lake Fort Greene.” This is good news for residents and park-goers, around 35 of whom attended a “scope meeting” on October 7 to add their ideas for what other improvements are needed.
A new asphalt path, erosion control, drainage management, stair repairs, a jogging path, and pushing the path through the trees up towards the Visitors Center are among Parks’ goals, according to officials at the meeting.
Among the additional resident ideas? A dog run, addressing the “dust bowl” of dry dirt in the park, and installing permanent fencing around the monument.
“Yes, we are considering that,” responded Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey to the monument fencing request, which the requestee noted ensures there is “nice, clean grass” in some areas. However, he noted that that is something the Central Park Conservancy would potentially address as part of their affiliation with Fort Greene Park.
Regarding the dust bowl, addressing that problem “is not looked at in this project, [but] we are open to future talks” said Jeffrey. Councilmember Laurie Cumbo added that she and other officials have “discussed this because the dust goes to the playground,” affecting children’s health. “We’re thinking maybe a soccer park or artificial turf, but it needs more discussion because some people might not want turf.”
As for the dog run proposal, made by local resident Mary Alice Bailey — who noted that it would address the ongoing issue of dogs running off-leash during on-leash hours, with “what doesn’t seem to be any respect for human activity” — Jeffrey said he and Cumbo have also discussed this idea, and it is something that can cost around $6,000-$7,000 and would require ongoing maintenance.
“Years ago this was discussed, too, but Brooklyn Hospital and other [neighboring institutions] were against it,” depending on where a dog run would be located, noted a second Fort Greene resident.
Resident Patrick Murphy also asked whether the WIlloughby Avenue entrance construction would be complete before the new capital project moves forward. “Why is it taking so long? And it’s slated to take another six months? We never see anyone ever working there for weeks and months. It stinks of graft.”
“Three city water mains converge here,” explained Joe D, the project manager of the construction project. “So then engineering had to take it apart to rebuild it, and we added an [underground] bridge to be safe.”
He said that by fall/the next couple of months, handicapped access and paving will be installed, and then in spring, landscaping and planting will be addressed.
What do you think of all these changes and improvements to Fort Greene Park?