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Read the press release here.

City Unveils Master Plan for Northern Manhattan Parks

By Carla Zanoni | June 10, 2011 4:11pm

By Carla Zanoni

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

UPPER MANHATTAN — A massive plan to retool parks throughout Washington Heights and Inwood is nearly ready for its official launch following a year's worth of community input.

The plan would add amenities ranging from water fountains at smaller green spaces like Inwood's Isham Park to bringing food and drink concessions to High Bridge Park in Washington Heights.

Charles McKinney, principal urban designer for the Parks Department, told Community Board 12's parks and cultural affairs committee on Monday he looked forward to seeing the plan turn into reality.

Implementation will take 20 years to complete as individual plans are funded, according to Jennifer Hoppa, administrator for Northern Manhattan Parks. Some of the projects are already underway.

The Parks Department worked with the community at various design forums that included civic leaders, park experts, community planners and residents. 

Areas of concern centered around ecology, recreational facilities, health and fitness, waterfront access, park security, pedestrian and bicycle traffic and accessibility for people with mobility issues.

Residents also added suggestions online throughout the year.

After viewing a presentaiton about the plan, CB12's parks and cultural affairs committee passed a resolution recommending the plan.

Next, the full board will vote on the matter at its June 28 general meeting.

These are sampling of some of the proposals included in the 20-year master plan, which can be viewed in full courtesy of the Parks Department.

High Bridge Park:

- Rebrand as an adventure park

- Connect middle path from 158th Street to Dyckman Street

- Restore High Bridge Water Tower for public use


Riverside Oval

- Restore fence and fountain


Fort Washington Park near 155th Street

- Create accessible pathway for people with mobility issues

- Renovate ball fields for baseball and soccer

- Restore comfort station

- Create small boat launch


Fort Washington Park near 170th Street

- Improve bicycle and pedestrian path to Henry Hudson shoreline

- Create kayak launch


Fort Tryon Park

- Restore historic structures for public use

- Continue restoration of historic FreOlmstead landscape


Dyckman Marina

- Restore pier for large vessel tie-up

- Create mooring field

- Redesign parking area

- Add ramp to pedestrian bridge so bikes and "Gators" can easily access the path to the Henry Hudson Bridge


Sherman Creek

- Create food concessions

- Create high marsh habitat


Inwood Hill Park

- Implement landscape changes, such as adding a creek to the lowland, to increase wildlife

- Improve open views of waterfront

- Develop comprehensive trail marking system to increase use and safety of park

- Improve bike and pedestrian access to Henry Hudson Bridge

- Promote northern tip as kayak stopping point

Participants at the meeting during the summer of 2010 ranged from current park volunteers in the area and park enthusiasts.
Participants at the meeting during the summer of 2010 ranged from current park volunteers in the area and park enthusiasts.
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DNAinfo/ Carla Zanoni