ASTORIA — Construction on the plaza in Athens Square Park is expected to wrap up soon, and the finished project will boast Greek-inspired designs — including checkered paving on the ground meant to mimic a theater in Athens, according to the Parks Department.
The $850,000 project broke ground last summer to reconstruct the plaza and its surrounding seating area, a popular neighborhood gathering place on 30th Avenue at 30th Street which is used to host concerts and other performances.
The renovations include re-paving the site, and the center of the performance area will feature concrete pavers in the shape of the "Sun of Vergina," a sun symbol that was common in Ancient Greek art, according to the Parks Department.
The indented area in front of that will feature paving arranged in a checkerboard pattern, which the Parks Department says is inspired by a similar feature at the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, a theater in Athens.
These improvements will join Athens Square's existing Greek design features, which include three large columns, a statue of the philosopher Socrates and a bronze bust of Aristotle, according to the Parks Department's website.
The renovations will also include new benches, fencing, lighting and plants, according to the Parks Department, which said the plaza should reopen by September.
