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Many of Hudson River Park's signature piers, lawns and fields were under water during Hurricane Irene this weekend, as the river whose name we share swelled several feet above sea walls.
Because of the Hudson River Park Trust's exceptional efforts to prepare, the Park sustained minimal damage across its 5 mile span, losing only a few trees and leaving most facilities intact.
As a modern waterfront park, Hudson River Park has been built to withstand exposure to the elements, but we still expect cleanup and repairs costs to continue to mount as things dry out. Ball fields and playgrounds were completely flooded, and only time will tell how the Park's many lawns, trees, gardens, and facilities fared with extensive exposure to salt water, and other waste and debris.
After the storm, most of the waters quickly began to recede, and much of the Park, including playgrounds, skateparks, dog runs, and other amenities opened again to the public on Monday at 6AM, after closing on Saturday at noon. We are still assessing the level of damage the Park has sustained, and our additional costs for cleanup and emergency preparations will likely be in the tens of thousands of dollars.
To help offset these costs, we are reaching out to Park constituents, to ask for additional support. Your contributions earmarked for storm cleanup, will go a long way to help repair and sutain Hudson River Park.
Sincerely yours, A. J. Pietrantone Executive Director Friends of Hudson River Park |
After the Hurricane in Hudson River Park
