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New York City Councilmember Robert Jackson announced $750,000 in capital funding for major improvements to Isham Park that will provide water fountains and irrigation to the park. Shown here, from left to right, are Councilmember Robert Jackson, Pat Courtney from Volunteers for Isham Park, Assembly Member Guillermo Linares, Manhattan Parks Commissioner William T. Castro, J. A. Reynolds founder of the Isham Park Restoration Program, and Jennifer M. Hoppa the Northern Manhattan Parks Administrator. Photo Credit: Martin Collins
Dedicated volunteers and visitors to Isham Park are finally getting a simple commodity they have been in dire need of for decades: water.
New York City Councilmember Robert Jackson was joined by Northern Manhattan Parks Commissioner William Castro and Parks administrator Jennifer Hoppa on Wed. Aug. 3rd to announce the allocation of $750,000 in capital funding for Fiscal Year 2012 intended to make infrastructure improvements to Isham Park.
The infrastructure upgrades will have as their main goal to bring water and provide irrigation with the installation of three drinking fountains and at least three water hookups for irrigation.
The much-anticipated water access was welcome by members of the Isham Park Restoration program and Volunteers for Isham Park who were present during the announcement and described their struggle to keep the park’s greenery alive.
The water system addition will service the 20 acre park including portions of Isham Park on Broadway, Seaman Avenue, and Bruce’s Garden, named after Port Authority Police Officer Bruce Reynolds, who perished in the September 11 attacks.
“We’ve lugged many gallons of water for many years to keep Bruce’s Garden alive and this change is going to make our job much easier, and will keep our volunteers around longer,” said Maria Lall, a longtime resident of Inwood and volunteer gardener who described Isham Park as her “living room.”
“Isham Park is filled with children and families, especially on weekends, and dedicated volunteers who tirelessly work to enhance the park’s landscape,” said Councilmember Robert Jackson, commending the work of local Inwood residents who have devoted their time and efforts to the beautification of the park. Specifically cited was Bruce’s Garden in Isham Park, located by the park’s entrance on the Park Terrace East side, which has been described as “heaven” by many who have contributed to its upkeep and maintenance over the years.
Manhattan Parks Commissioner William Castro described Isham Park as a “wonderful gem in Northern Manhattan, where you have beautiful parks, you have beautiful communities,” he said, pointing to the extensive community outreach and public workshops that were conducted by the Parks Department to learn about the community’s needs.
The irrigation system and water fountain installation is expected to be completed in about 18 months.
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