Workers began moving the debris from Shady Park on Nov. 14
Dec. 13, 2012 By Christian Murray
Political leaders and strong advocates of Shady Park (Andrews Grove) will join forces Friday to help clean up the park and discuss ways to restore it to its original state.
The park, which was best known for its canopy of tall trees, has been closed since Hurricane Sandy ripped through it–tearing several 50-foot trees out of the ground and destroying some of the playground equipment. The uprooted trunks and tree limbs were sprawled all over the park for more than a week.
Ever since the trees were decimated, an active group of LIC neighbors have been pushing for the planting of a number of tall trees (25 feet high) to replace the old ones. Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer said that he is working with the Parks Dept. on finding such replacements.
The park has been popular among parents, since its tall trees have provided shade for young children. Furthermore, the park is located in a section of the community where new residents and more-established residents often mingle.
The neighborhood group has come together through Facebook, with the formation of the “Friends of Shady Park” page. It already has more than 230 likes.
Residents, according to the group’s Facebook page, will also bring a holiday tree to the park tomorrow to decorate as “a festive symbol of our plans to make the park green and fun again as soon as possible.”
WHO: Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, State Senator Michael Gianaris, Friends of Shady Park, local leaders and Long Island City residents
WHAT: Council Member Van Bramer & Friends of Shady Park Restore Local Park After Hurricane Sandy
WHEN: Friday, December 14th at 3:00pm
WHERE: 49th Avenue between 5th Street and Vernon Boulevard, Long Island
