Posted March 24, 2022 at 1 :41 pm by West Side Rag
Photo via NYC Parks
By Marie Holmes
At the Monday, March 21 Community Board 7 Parks & Environment Committee meeting, Dan Sullivan, a landscaper with the NYC Parks Department presented a detailed reconstruction plan for Riverside Park’s waterfront path, known as Cherry Walk.
The mile-anda-half stretch, which is popular with both cyclists as well as pedestrians, has suffered bumps and cracks from tree roots and other damage over the years. Reconstruction will include repairing asphalt and re-doing symbols and striping to make the path safer for all users.
Although work would not start until next year, it is expected to be completed in three to four months. Sullivan said that Riverside Park will coordinate with Parks to ensure that detour signs are clearly marked. A number of committee members suggested that the detour signage last year could have been improved. Sullivan stated that the Parks department is open to working with anyone who is interested in making sure that signage is clear.
An arborist will be on-site to ensure that repairs do not cause damage to Cherry Walks trees. Sullivan said that workers can protect trees by carefully excavating and filling in the roots.
The Cherry Walk currently has four sections. The north and southbound lanes are further divided into separate lanes, which can be used by pedestrians or bicycles. The path will be divided into two lanes, northbound and southbound, which can be shared by cyclists and pedestrians.
Many committee members were skeptical about the change, citing concerns over conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists. Ken Coughlin, a committee member, stated that nobody will know where they are supposed to be. He added that it is a mile and a quarter straightaway for cyclists. They build up speed.
Margaret C. Bracken, the park’s landscape architect, responded to these concerns by explaining that the striping visible today is more than 20 year old. Based on the available width, two lanes were reduced to accommodate the number of lanes. Additionally, the dual north/south lanes have been adopted on all other paths in the city.
Sullivan explained that asphalt is porous and allows water to move upwards and downwards through it, which makes it resistant to flood damage. He stated, “I foresee it lasting at minimum two decades.”
In other newsThe multi-use courts at the 105th street will have a new surface. It will be applied directly on top the pavement. The courts are not being offered for free or prohibited from use.
Several members also reported on how the increased ticketing of dog owners who allow their pets roam Theodore Roosevelt Park lawns without a leash has been very effective in keeping the dogs under control.
