Roosevelt Island Octagon Soccer Field To Open For Play By End Of September After Being Closed More Than One Year For Replacement Of Unsafe Artificial Turf Surface, Renovations To Continue On Comfort Station, Seating Area, Paths And ADA Accessibility Thru Summer 2020 - Soccer Field Will Be Renamed For Retired PSD Chief Jack McManus Upon Completion Of Renovations

The Roosevelt Island Octagon Soccer Field has been closed since August 17 2018 due to unsafe conditions of its artificial field turf.

After long delay due to difficulty securing a qualified contractor, renovation of Octagon Field and replacement of the artificial turf began in May 2019.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced yesterday that the first phase of Octagon Field renovation will be completed later this month which will allow the Soccer Field to reopen for play by the end of September. Work on Phase 2 of the renovation, which includes Comfort Station improvements began yesterday.

According to RIOC:

Beginning Wednesday, September 4, 2019, the comfort station and adjacent paths of Octagon Park will be closed until Summer 2020. Two temporary toilets, including one ADA accessible unit, will be installed for public use while the comfort station is closed.

This second phase of the Octagon Field and Comfort Station improvements will reconstruct paths and seating areas to meet ADA requirements, reconstruct the bathrooms, provide a new shade pavilion near the bathrooms, install new spectator seating and upgrade the planted areas.

RIOC is coordinating with the Phase 1 team to ensure safe operations throughout the site. Ongoing Phase 1 improvements to the field are expected to be completed on schedule in late September. Once the field reopens, fencing and other temporary measures will be adjusted to allow people to access the field safely.

We appreciate your continued patience and cooperation while we make these improvements. If you see any unsafe activities at the construction site, please contact PSD at 212-832-4545 or report it by using our Occupant Help Center.

During the RIOC March 7,2019 RIOC Board of Directors meeting, Project Manager Prince Shah describes the Octagon Field renovation project.



Once the Octagon Soccer Field opens for play later this month, the next issue will be how much time is available for local community kids and adults to use the field instead of it being permitted to outside groups and corporate leagues.

Upon completion of the renovations, the Octagon Field will be re-named for retired Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus 

 Image From Adib Mansour

who was the soccer coach many local kids.