Current Issues

COLUMBUS PARK

Current Issues:

Maintenance of the synthetic grass portion of the newly renovated Columbus Park ball field.

Our Concerns: How is the field being cleaned of broken glass that gets imbedded in the turf? Is there a plan to cleanup the dead rats underneath the synthetic grass turf? Do we need to worry about mold growing underneath the grass, possibly causing future health problems?

Columbus Park Pavilion renovation.

Our Concerns: Current Park plans for the renovation do not include enclosing the upper loggia of the

building. Weather, pigeons and other open access conditions will lead to a rapid deterioration of this facility.

Future maintenance and use of this facility are also issues that need to be discussed or clarified.

We propose enclosing the upper floor of the Pavilion with removable glass windows or partitions – enabling heating and air conditioning of the upper loggia area. We also recommend setting up a Parks and community management team for the Pavilion to organize and facilitate youth and other community group use of the Pavilion facility and keeping it open for use during the daytime, evening and weekend hours.

Security, closing and opening of the park.

Our Concerns: Park security plans and park hours should be discussed with community members.

RATS in the park.

Our Concerns: The rat situation is getting increasingly worse in the park. Rats are brazenly running through the North side of the park and hiding in the Pavilion and other areas. Is there a plan to control the rat situation?

Volleyball Courts.

Our Concerns: The 3 volleyball courts are laid out (lines) on the asphalt ready for play but where are the nets and poles? What are the future plans for holding national and local volleyball tournaments at Columbus Park?

Basketball Courts.

Our Concerns: The three basketball courts laid out on the asphalt portion of the ball field are incomplete. The out of bounds lines have not been drawn in. The asphalt areas around the courts have not been painted. And, there is no rubber paint coating (required to protect the new asphalt court).

Bi-Lingual Signs in the Park.

Our Concerns: Many Chinese-speaking NY Chinatown residents and visitors cannot read the park signs. Having all signs bi-lingual is necessary for park safety, security and enjoyment.