SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, MEEKS, de BLASIO ANNOUNCE OVER $1.2 MILLION IN FEDERAL SANDY-RELIEF FUNDING FOR EIGHT HARD-HIT PARKS IN ROCKAWAY & FAR ROCKAWAY
In the Aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, Parks & Playgrounds Throughout the Rockaway Peninsula Were Damaged; Playground Safety Surface, Fencing, Benches & Storm Drains Needed to be Repaired & Replaced
Schumer, Gillibrand, Meeks, de Blasio Announce Over $1 Million in FEMA Funding for the NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation to Help Rebuild Damaged Parks
Federal Funding Will Go Towards Permanent Repairs at Rockaway Beach 30th Street, Rockaway Beach 59th Street, Rockaway Beach Playground M, Arverne Playground, Rockaway Freeway Park, Conch Playground, Almeda Playground, & Hammel Playground
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman Gregory Meeks and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced $1,207,961 in federal funding for Sandy-related repairs at eight damaged playgrounds and parks along the Rockaway peninsula. The funding is being provided to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program.
“In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, many of Rockaway’s cherished parks and playgrounds were seriously damaged and repairs were desperately needed so that they can be enjoyed by families and children for years to come,” saidSenator Schumer. “This federal funding helps rebuild these Sandy-damaged playgrounds without putting a heavy burden on local taxpayers.”
“Superstorm Sandy followed a devastating path that destroyed our treasured parks and playgrounds, and restoring these public spaces is a critical part of our ongoing recovery,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These federal funds are an investment in our communities and help ensure that Rockaway and Far Rockaway will thrive.”
"I welcome these important investments to rebuild our parks and bring our community one step closer to putting the destruction of Super Storm Sandy behind us. The comprehensive damage caused by Super Storm Sandy left the public parks and playgrounds in the Rockaways and Far Rockaways nearly unusable. With these investments our parks will once again be the centers that bring our community's seniors, families, and youth together,” said Rep. Gregory Meeks.
"Sandy's impact was felt across the Rockaways and throughout our city - from large-scale infrastructure, homes and businesses, to the individual parks and playgrounds on which families rely,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This funding marks yet another step forward as we continue to expedite relief and build a stronger, more resilient Rockaway peninsula and New York City."
“Sandy devastated our lives and our community, including the beachfront parks and playgrounds that serve our families and draw visitors to the neighborhood. This most recent round of federal funding will repair the damage caused by Sandy and help rebuild our parks back and more resilient than ever. I thank Senator Schumer and Congressman Meeks for understanding our needs and securing these vital funds. Their tireless efforts will ensure that our families in Rockaway can continue to use and enjoy these parks for generations to come,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder.
"Hurricane Sandy was a painful reminder that our coastal parkland is New York City’s first line of defense against climate disasters,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “Thanks to support from FEMA we are able to recover and rebuild vital playgrounds and parks for hard-hit Rockaways communities.”
FEMA funding is being provided for Sandy-related permanent repairs at the following hard-hit parks in Queens:
- · Rockaway Beach 30th Street Playground
Work performed: Replacement of a total of 12,528 square feet of safety surface lost during the disaster.
- · Rockaway Beach 59th Street Playground
Work performed: Replacement of 7,030.6 square feet of safety surface lost in the disaster, remove silt form six storm drains, and repair to one park bench and a portion of park fencing.
- · Rockaway Beach Playground M
Work performed: Replacement of 7,411 square feet of safety surface lost during the disaster.
- · Arverne Playground
Work performed: Replacement of 5,871 square feet of safety surface lost during the disaster.
- · Rockaway Freeway Park
Work performed: Repaired and/or replaced a combined total of 152 linear feet of 6 feet high chain link fencing.
- · Conch Playground
Work performed: Replacement of 4,194 square feet of safety surface lost during the disaster.
- · Almeda Playground
Work performed: Replacement of 3,449 square feet of safety surface lost during the disaster.
- · Hammel Playground
Work performed: Replacement of 5,828 square feet of safety surface lost during the disaster and silt removal from four drainage pipes.
