ICAHN STADIUM

NOVEMBER 2007

NEWS FROM THE FIELDS


EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITIES

Since the cancellation of the Waterpark, the Randall's Island Sports Foundation and the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation have been hard at work to examine the possibilities for this site. Options include retaining and/or rebuilding the baseball, softball and soccer fields and extending the island-wide pathway to run contiguously along the Bronx Kill. We look forward to working with local community boards, elected officials and park users to explore other options for the proposed Waterpark site. Meanwhile, others areas of work on the Island will continue without changes.


AL OERTER – RANDALL’S ISLAND LOSES A GOOD FRIEND

“The world lost a true champion in every sense of the word with the passing of Al Oerter – a four-time Olympic Gold Medal winner whose contributions off the field were as important as his enduring legacy on it,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Born in Queens, Al was a true friend to New York City whose generosity of spirit was unparalleled. I had the pleasure of knowing Al before I became Mayor through our work together at the Randall’s Island Sports Foundation, where he was elected to the Hall of Fame. At Randall’s Island, Al played a vital role in the development and funding for the capital campaign for Icahn Stadium and helped rededicate the island’s famous discus thrower statue. He was also an invaluable supporter of our bid for the 2012 Olympics. From now on, when New Yorkers pass the iconic discus thrower statue on Randall’s Island, they should remember the life and contributions of Al.”


PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE

On Saturday, October 20th, a dedicated group of volunteers gathered on Randall’s Island to participate in “It’s My Park Day.” As part of Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC initiative, volunteers planted 1,100 trees on the Island. The Mayor’s plan, which includes planting nearly 1 million new trees
throughout New York City in the next 20 years, is an important step toward creating a greener and healthier New York. The enthusiastic group convened at the Wards Island Footbridge early in the morning and continued to plant until the afternoon. All the volunteers were proud of their achievements as they contributed to making New York City a healthier place to live.


CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

In News from the Fields we keep you updated on the monthly progress of construction on the Island. Development continues to move forward on the East River, Sunken Garden and Central Fields. Work will begin in the coming days on Sunken Meadow and Wards Meadow. The contractor has begun tearing up
parts of the main roadways throughout the Island to continue to the installation of electrical and water lines. Those taking the bus or driving around the Island will notice that traffic has been restricted to one lane in most areas. As always the safety of those working on and visiting the Island is everyone’s number one priority. Those walking and driving on the Island should always follow posted detour and safety signage.


103rd STREET FOOTBRIDGE – NEW HOURS

We are pleased to announce that due to the mild weather and the popularity of the pathway running along the East River, the New York City Department of Transportation has agreed to extend the days and hours that the footbridge will be open. The bridge will now be open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm through November 20th, when it will then close for the winter season.


SPRING 2008 SEASON

As we move toward the spring 2008 season, the responses to the Ball Fields Needs Form are being reviewed by the NYC Parks Department. Parks is analyzing field availability throughout the City with the goal of working with Randall’s Island Park users to facilitate their requests. Thank you to everyone for participating in this process, and your continued support as we work to create significantly more fields for everyone.


[marq=left]THANKS FOR TEAMING WITH US TO MAKE THIS POSSIBLE![/marq]

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