Paul Sahner's NYC Grid has some great pictures of Southpoint Park before the FDR Four Freedoms Park (FDR Park) was built and opened last October.. Remember Southpoint Park like this:
Here's what the FDR Park looks like now.
Image from Archpaper via PAUL WARCHOL / COURTESY FDR FOUR FREEDOMS PARK
More great before and after pictures of Southpoint Park and FDR Park from
NYC Grid. Take a look.
Reported previously that the
FDR Park Conservancy rules would not allow food and beverages other than water to be brought into the FDR Park. Apparently there have been some modifications to that policy since at least
one food truck has been welcomed in the FDR Park.
There will be no visiting the FDR Park for food trucks or other reasons during the next three days. According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (
RIOC):
Please be advised that Four Freedoms Park will be closed from Monday, August 12th to Wednesday, August 14th due to scheduled maintenance. The park will re-open to the public on Thursday, August 15th at 9 AM.
Sincerely,
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group
FDR Four Freedoms Park Conservancy President Sally Minard adds:
The Park will be closed Monday and Wednesday next week. We are always closed Tuesday.
The scheduled work is to replace the road surface in the entry to the Park.
The surface installed just before the park opened to the public last fall was supposed to be a hard packed surface, ADA compliant for wheel chairs and scooters, and suitable for emergency vehicles as required.
The surface never performed as expected. It is slippery and breaks apart when wet. That is why we have maintained temporary gravel paths across the surface to provide safe passage into the memorial for visitors in all weather conditions.
The existing surface will be taken up and removed from the island. Asphalt will be laid. Crushed granite will be rolled into the surface when the asphalt is still wet to give the appearance of gravel. This surface is again ADA compliant and more attractive than asphalt alone, which was the other alternative considered.
I think visitors will be pleased with the aesthetics and the performance of the new surface. Most of the work takes place within the Park site. RIOC has issued a permit for the section of the work that is outside the Park site. As the area is continuous, the same surface will be applied throughout and in the same time frame. This small section, not the site, is within the transition area the Conservancy took responsibility for finishing and maintaining over two years ago. We are assured the project can be completed within the three days allotted.
UPDATE 8/13 -Yesterday, I asked FDR Park Conservancy President Sally Minard:
Has there been any change in FDR Park rules regarding visitors bringing in beverages and food other than water?
I understand that Food Trucks are now allowed into the Park. Can visitors bring their own food as well?
Ms. Minard replied:
No food truck is in the park. A food station is installed; will be open for business Friday-Sunday in August, between 11am and 4pm.
All food and drink is to be consumed within the defined food service area within the Park site but outside the built memorial. The rules against food and drink other than water inside the memorial are unchanged. Visitors can bring their own food and drink to be consumed within the designated food service area.
No one is required to purchase from the food station.
According to the
FDR Park web site:
Today we welcomed our first food truck, Katchkie Truck from Great Performances and Katchkie Farm! We also welcomed our first food truck customers who were visiting the Park from Israel!
Featuring a menu inspired by the organic produce at Katchkie Farm, the Katchkie Truck offers fresh farm fare to FDR Four Freedoms Park visitors. The truck’s menu is designed thoughtfully and healthfully with seasonality in mind....
