Willoughby Avenue Entrance Construction Nearing Completion, Says NYC Parks

During a recent walk by the Willoughby Avenue entrance to Fort Greene Park, we noticed construction workers working. Great news! The sight has been a rare one, according to residents who have wondered aloud why things are taking so long. And as noted last month, the city Parks and Recreation Department has explained the delays as resulting from unexpected complications regarding the underground water main issues, but that things are moving again now.

According to a construction update from NYC Parks Community Associate Helen Song, released by the Fort Greene Park Conservancy, the sidewalk paving “should be complete within the week” and the new ADA-accessible entrance should begin to be visible. Also visible should be a new black lamp post designed to be more consistent with other park lampposts.

Next up will come the planting of nearly 7,000 plants, shrubs, and trees throughout this week. “The rain in the forecast should help our new residents take root,” Song wrote. “Of the 6000 ground cover plants, some species to keep a look out for are Cornus Canadensis (Bunchberry Dogwood), Liatris spicata (Blazing Star), Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox), Chelone glabra (White Turtlehead), and Huechera americana (American Alumroot).”

The entire project is still slated to be complete by spring/summer 2016.