Underhill playground

That open yet?

According to Leticia James, as of this week, the plan is for the playground to open end of July.

I can't help thinking if this playground was in the Slope it would have been up and running long ago.

Keep writing/calling Tish James and get her to bug the contractor.

tish james' contact info?? LOVE for that place to be open...

from my untrain eye. the place already looks nice. why isnt it open?

It looks like it could open at any time... there can't be that much left to do - the only activity that I've seen recently is a single guy painting the fence with a hand brush.

The latest info we have from Tish James is that it is due to open end of July. It is a bit crazy that the playground construction began before they broke ground on the Richard Meier Building.

We have been waiting 2 years for a 6 month project to finish, and I think that we will not be able to use the playground this summer either.

we could open it unoffically but cutting the chains to the locks and .

Just to let you know I saw a playground in Hell's Kitchen redone and it took awhile. Seems like the paper work has to be pushed through for anything to happen. But in the end it was worth it cause they did an excellent job. And it looks like the one on Underhill will be a great place for the kids to be instead of the sidewalks. (props to the city parks org)

My best bet is as soon as the tours for the Richard Meier building start (did everyone see that joke of a site... www.onprospectpark.com check out the 'neighbors' section)

Anyhow, I can't wait for the changes that will bring. I mean, I bet they'll re-open the front steps of the library, remove of the bloods/crips graffiti on St/Johns & Underhill, and if we get lucky arrest the prostitutes, johns and drug dealers there too... (after all, soon weed will only be available the Manhattan way, i.e. call for delivery by men in suits)

I just don't know how they were allowed to use public money to put up that gigantic 2-story cross. :x

Carnivore wrote: I just don't know how they were allowed to use public money to put up that gigantic 2-story cross. :x

Where?

In the playground.

Really? Hadn't noticed it... it's not a form for some as-of-yet-unrealized structure? Like, it's a bona fide Jezuz H. Christ cross?

It's actually a cross-shaped flagpole.

The sneaky bastards!!!

Looks like they moved in the parts to the centerpiece whale fountain yesterday. So that's progress...

First a crucifix and now whale tail?! What kind of a non-denominational, family-friendly park is this supposed to be?!?!

Heard from Tish James today, she said, and I quote "playground will open at the end of July".

I asked about a ribbon cutting. Haven't heard yet.
Should be like the 2000 New Years Eve blast, we've waited long enough!

I noticed they'd made some progress: the month on the sign has been renovated this spring.

WhyFi wrote: Really? Hadn't noticed it... it's not a form for some as-of-yet-unrealized structure? Like, it's a bona fide Jezuz H. Christ cross?

with sleepy eyes i first read::: "bon fire Jezuz H. Christ cross" --- but alas, no such fun.

WhyFi wrote: First a crucifix and now whale tail?! What kind of a non-denominational, family-friendly park is this supposed to be?!?!

could it be some kind of nautical theme? maybe the 'cross' is suppose to be a mast?

VeggieQueen wrote: could it be some kind of nautical theme? maybe the 'cross' is suppose to be a mast?

If they hang a sail from it, I'll be appeased.

I wonder if closing the playground for so long has encouraged gentrification in a round about way?

The playground scene will likely be much different than it was two years ago. Some of the regular visitors have outgrown it, others have found new playmates at new playgrounds, new residents have moved into the neighborhood, and the territorial boundaries associated with playground use have shifted. They will also be adjusted to reflect the new physical space as well.

When the playground re-opens for summer 2008, I would imagine that all of this will have a leavening effect that will make the space much more inviting to newer residents / playground users.