14 THE QUEENS COURIER • SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com Made in the ‘Shade’ LIC’s Shady Park reopens BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO [email protected] The fi rst phase of restoring the beloved “Shady Park” back to its former glory has been completed. The Parks Department began repairs in June at Andrews Grove, located on 49th Avenue between 5th Street and Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City, after the park sustained signifi cant damage from Superstorm Sandy. Play equipment, safety surfaces and fencing was damaged and eight of the park’s signature tall trees were felled, offi cials said. After that, only a small part of the park was accessible to residents. After more than two months of working to restore the 2.3-acre park to its original state, local elected offi cials, Parks Department offi cials and community members gathered on Friday, September 6 to cut the ribbon reopening the greenspace. “I am proud to open the newly restored Andrews Grove, a park that has long been embraced by the Long Island City community for its lofty trees and colorful playground,” said Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski. The restorations came through more than $90,000 in city funding. They included removing all damaged items, repairing the playground equipment and adding new safety surfaces, benches, concrete and asphalt. The next phase of bringing “Shady Park” fully back is the planting of eight new trees where the old ones once stood. Working together with the Friends of Shady Park — a group of neighbors advocating for the repair of Andrews Grove Playground – Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer was able to secure $10,000 in private funding from JetBlue and Warner Bros. to help restore the trees. “The reopening of one of Long Island City’s most popular parks marks an enormous day in our city’s efforts to fully recover after Sandy,” said Van Bramer. “This is part of the city’s recovery, this is part of Long Island City’s recovery and when we plant those trees in the fall, it’s going to be another very beautiful day.” Sheila Lewandowski, founder of Friends of Shady Park, selected the new trees that will be planted in November. “Within an hour after the construction equipment was cleared the swings were fi lled with smiling children,” said Lewandowski. “I knew the park was re-opened when the sound of many more children laughing echoed down the block. Now we can heal. Next we replant.” THE COURIER/Photos by Angy Altamirano Offi cials, community members and residents gathered to cut the ribbon reopening Andrews Grove, nicknamed “Shady Park,” in Long Island City. THE COURIER/Photos by Angy Altamirano Offi cials, community members and residents gathered to cut the ribbon reopening Andrews Grove, nicknamed “Shady Park,” in Long Island City. st of the 2013 THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com Place “Making Your World Accessible” 2013 Independence & Mobility Fair Sponsored wbye g e t y o u t h e r e Friday, Sept. 27th - 10:00 - 5:00 Saturday, Sept. 28th - 10:00 - 4:00 More than 30 Organizations & Exhibitors H Free Wheelchair /Scooter Tune-ups H New & Pre-Owned Accessible Vans H Great Food, Prizes & Valet Parking H Home Modifications & Stair Lifts H Adaptive Driving Equipment, Lifts & Turnout Seats H Legal & Financial Advisors H Sports, Health & Fitness H Wheelchairs, Scooters & Seating Solutions H Veterans Benefits & Accessible Travel H Accessible Shuttle From Bethpage LIRR Station Wheelchair Accessible Fun & Games Kids Carnival Corner Face Painting, Crafts & Balloons y,y Sept. 28th 28th 12:00 00 – ★ Saturday,3:00 00 ★ $1,500 OFF $500 OFF Any Pre-Owned Any NEW Vehicle Accessible Van Purchased at the event Free Educational Workshops Call us or Visit our Website for Directions & More Information 866-524-8267 • 500 Central Ave., Bethpage, NY 11714 • www.BussaniMobility.com
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