NYC Parks Dept. will begin construction work on a $1.45 million renovation project at Bowne Park in Flushing this week (Google Maps)
March 22, 2021 By Michael Dorgan
The NYC Parks Dept. will begin construction on a $1.45 million renovation project at Bowne Park in Flushing this week.
The pond area of the park, which is located on the border of Flushing and Broadway-Flushing, will undergo a major overhaul that will include an upgrade of the water fountains, the installation of new water cannons and the replacement of the granite stone wall at the edge of the pond.
The pond area, which is situated in the western section of the 11.8 acre park, has become a hotbed for garbage, red algae and dead wildlife, officials said.
Bowne Park (Google Maps)
The revamp is expected to be completed by August 2022, according to Council Member Paul Vallone who secured funding for the entire project.
Vallone, whose district covers the park, said the latest upgrades will help return the pond area back to its former glory.
“The renovations to our iconic pond will add to the serene beauty that is unique to this park,” Vallone said in a statement Friday.
The pond upgrades come nearly four years after the playground section of the park was overhauled.
A rendering for the renovation work set to be carried out at Bowne Park (NYC Parks)
The revamp of the pond will include upgrading the water fountains and filtration system while sediment at the bottom of the pond will be removed, according to Vallone.
A connection to a well will be repaired so that groundwater will refill the pond instead of city water which is currently being used.
A new aeration system, that helps break down wastewater, will be installed to help to improve the water quality of the pond. It will consist of three water cannons.
Catch basins and storm sewer lines that empty into the pond will also be cleared.
Additionally, granite stone on the wall at the edge of the pond is set to be replaced while portions of the existing asphalt path system will be reconstructed and new plantings will also be put down.
The renovations will take place in phases so that the pond’s wildlife will not be affected, Vallone said.
NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Michael Dockett said that that park is used by residents all year-round. He said the new filtration system, in particular, will help restore the park’s natural splendor.
“[It] will provide a healthy habitat for wildlife and revitalize the park’s natural ecosystem,” Dockett said.
A water fountain at the park. (Photo: NYC Parks)
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