RIOC Accepting Roosevelt Island Spring/Summer Outdoor Field Permit Applications Today Thru Tuesday March 9 For Pony, McManus & Capobianco Fields

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced last evening that applications are being accepted today through this coming Tuesday for Roosevelt Island outdoor fields.

Image From RIOC

According to the RIOC announcement:

Be advised that beginning Sunday, February 28th, 2021 at 9AM through Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 at 5PM , the Permitting Dept will begin accepting applications for Outdoor Fields (Pony / McManus fka Octagon / Capobianco Fields) for the Spring/Summer period of April 1st to August 31st.

Applications submitted before February 28th, 2021 at 9AM will not be considered and applicants will need to resubmit during the correct time period. 

In an effort to ensure the proper safety procedures due to COVID restrictions all fields are reduced to 50% capacity and a NYS Safety Plan MUST be submitted.
Interested parties can submit applications via the following link

RIOC website adds:

Capobianco Field is located across the street from 595 Main Street. It is a softball/kickball field that measures 175 feet by 230 feet.  

Firefighters Field is located across the street from 405 Main Street. It is a combination soccer / softball field that measures 303 feet by 178 feet. The field is open for permitted use from dawn to dusk. No permits are issued on Fridays and Saturdays to allow for open play. 

Octagon Field has been reopened. 

Pony Field is located just south of 888 Main Street. It is a large softball / kickball field that measures 250 feet by 230 feet. The field is open for permitted use from dawn to dusk.

Image From RIOC

RIOC's announcement last night does not include information on Firefighters Field permit applications.  

Click here for Roosevelt Island outdoor field permit applications.

Good News, Roosevelt Island Do Not Enter Yellow Tape Coming Down - Phase 3 Of Cornavirus Restart On Roosevelt Island Begins Tomorrow As Sports Fields, Basketball Courts And Dog Runs Reopen With Social Distancing Rules

Roosevelt Island ball fields, basketball courts and dog runs closed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic shutdown will reopen Monday July 13.

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Please be advised that RIOC will reopen all outdoor basketball courts, dog runs, and sports fields on Monday, July 13th.

Residents and visitors are asked to avoid participating in high-contact games, such as football and basketball, to continue wearing face coverings, and to maintain proper social distancing practices at all times.

As of Monday, July 13th

Open areas will include:

• Comfort Stations at Lighthouse Park and Southpoint Park
• Outdoor Tennis Courts (7:30 AM- 8:30 PM)– reservation system here
• All public playgrounds
• Pony Field and Capobianco Field (7 AM- 9 PM) – for exercise only
• McManus and Firefighters Fields (7 AM- 9 PM) – socially distanced games only
• All basketball courts- (7 AM- 9 PM) No games. Socially distanced shoot-around only
• All dog runs

Closed areas will include:

• Sportspark
• All public cooking areas

Please note that summer day camp programs have priority on all fields and courts Mon. - Fri., 9 AM - 4 PM, through Aug. 28, 2020

For more information on NYS Department of Health sports and recreation guidance, please click here.

For details on complete New York Forward guidance, please click here.

We appreciate your patience with this matter.

RIOC Roosevelt Island Community Update - RIOC Apologizes For Confusion Over Capobianco And Pony Fields Status, Octagon Tennis Courts Open June 20, Southpoint Park Shoreline Project Moving Forward, New Home For Cat Sanctuary & More

Yellow do not enter warning tape at Roosevelt Island Capobianco Field pic.twitter.com/vNDgyYiuHe

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) June 10, 2020

Here's June 11 Community Update from Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

Here is the latest update from New York State for June 11, 2020

Farmers Market This Saturday

The Farmers Market will resume this Saturday in Good Shepherd Plaza from 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Please observe all social distancing guidelines.

Note: there will be NO Food Scrap Drop Off collection. If you wish for the Compost Program to return, please follow @SaveNYCCompost on twitter for more information.

New York Forward – Phase 1

The NYC region is in Phase 1 of reopening. To keep track of the region’s progress, please visit the New York Forward website at: forward.ny.gov/reopening-new-york-city

Capobianco and Pony Fields are Open – but Maintain Social Distancing

Capobianco and Pony Fields are open to the public for exercise. No team sports are allowed and social distancing practices must be followed at all times. McManus Field and Firefighters Field will remain closed until further notice to discourage team sports. We apologize for any confusion on this subject.

Reopening RIOC: Tennis Courts

Our staff has worked with members of the community to create safe initiatives we will employ when we reopen Roosevelt Island’s tennis courts on Saturday, June 20th. We will be sharing more information about our procedures in the coming days.

Capital Projects – Southpoint Park Project Moves Forward

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Sports Fields Closed Since March 22 Coronavirus Lockdown Will Open As Soon As Authorized By Governor Cuomo Says RIOC President - RIOC Says Capobianco And Pony Fields Were Open For Walking And Exercise During The Lockdown, Did You Know That?

When will the Roosevelt Island ball fields, closed since March 22 due to the Coronavirus Lockdown,

be open is a question being asked by many residents.

Do you have plans to open the fields back up? Having this space available would make it easier to social distance while outside on @Rooseveltisland.

— さよな🦁 (@HenryWolfAI) June 10, 2020

As previously reported, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued this March 22 advisory announcing the closing of the ball fields:

As of now, all permitted spaces, including McManus Field and Firefighters Field, will be closed until further notice. This precautionary measure is being taken as part of the Governor’s order for all New Yorkers to avoid risking exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Residents are encouraged to frequent the other public areas, such as the eastern and western promenades that circle the island as well as Lighthouse Park, Southpoint Park and Four Freedoms State Park. We encourage our residents to remain at least six feet apart from each other at all times.

Prior to the start of June 4 RIOC Board of Directors meeting, RIOC President Susan Rosenthal addressed this question from a resident about the opening of Roosevelt Island ball fields:

When will the Sports fields and tennis courts open up? We have children desperate for space to play on the Island. Asphalt Green in Manhattan has been open during the day for weeks.

Ms Rosenthal answered:

As soon as the Governor authorizes the State Parks to open sports fields, we will be opening them as well....

There are fields that are open, its just the permitted fields that are closed. Pony Field is open, Capobianco is open, it's the two permitted fields that are closed....

We are acting in accordance with instructions from NY State Parks....

 I asked RIOC today:

During June 4 RIOC Board meeting discussion of opening Roosevelt Island ball fields, Susan Rosenthal said that Pony Field and Capobianco Field were open during the Pandemic. See 3.55 minute mark of video.

I do not think they were open. There was yellow tape surrounding both fields during this time.

Was Capobianco and Pony Fields supposed to be open during this time or was Susan incorrect when she stated they were open?

RIOC Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley replied:

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Farmers Market Re-Opening Saturday May 16, Maintain Your Social Distance And Face Covering Required To Enter - Will Roosevelt Island Firefighters And McManus Field Open Too, No Response From RIOC

The Roosevelt Island Saturday Farmers Market

Image Of Farmers Market at Good Shepherd Plaza From March 21

has been closed since March 28 due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Earlier today, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

I understand the Farmers Market is opening this coming Saturday.

Is that true?

What procedures are being followed to maintain social distancing. Any other statement from RIOC on opening of Farmers Market?

Will the Firefighters and McManus Field be re-opened too as long as social distancing practices are maintained?

and received this announcement from RIOC:

Farmers Market Returns This Week

The Farmers Market will return to Good Shepherd Plaza this Saturday, May 16th. The first hour of the market will be strictly for Senior Citizens and the disabled. Social Distancing measures will strictly be enforced by PSD officers. We will release further details about this event throughout the week.

Wengerd Farms' Israel Wengerd adds that face coverings are required for everyone to enter the Farmers Market and they will be giving out gloves upon entering. Stay tuned for more info about opening of Roosevelt Island Farmers Market including hours of operation.

So far no response from RIOC about re-opening McManus and Firefighters Fields which are closed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. But questions have been raised if closing the fields is the right policy? Can the Roosevelt Island playing fields be re-opened with social distancing as is done at the Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech campus?

Roosevelt Island open space at McManus/Firefighters field could be open like @cornell_tech as long as social distancing enforced but @RIOCny staff will not consider it. Resident Board can overrule @BenKallos @NYCMayor @NYGovCuomo @SenatorSerrano @SeawrightForNY @TheHudsonCos pic.twitter.com/Ig8HebzDxK

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) May 3, 2020

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Dog Runs, Ball Fields And Playgrounds Closed Due To Coronavirus - Southpoint Park, Lighthouse Park And FDR Four Freedoms Park Remain Open

While our dog runs are closed until further notice, our parks remain open to dogs and pet owners to get fresh air and exercise; however, dogs must be kept on a leash and dog owners must keep social distance. Off-leash hours are still in effect at designated parks. pic.twitter.com/skFDot6uLN

— NYC Parks (@NYCParks) April 7, 2020

The Roosevelt Island Dog runs are closed too

as are Roosevelt Island ball fields

Read more »

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.

Roosevelt Island Youth Center 9 Week Spring Soccer Season At Firefighters Field & Sportspark Gym Starts Saturday April 29 - Boys And Girls 9 To !8, Residents And Non Residents Encouraged To Register By April 22 Deadline Says RIOC

The Roosevelt Island Youth Center Spring Soccer Season begins Saturday April 19. Registration is now open

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Registration is now open for Roosevelt Island's nine-week Spring youth soccer program, sponsored by the Roosevelt Island Youth Center.

The program is open to both residents and non-residents of Roosevelt Island. Boys and girls ages 5-18 are encouraged to sign-up by the April 22nd deadline.

The free program will run every Saturday from April 27th through June 29th. The program will take place at two locations: ages 9-18 will play at Firefighter’s Field between 9 AM – 12:30 PM and Ages 5-8 will play inside the Sportspark gymnasium between 1:30 PM – 5 PM. A detailed schedule will be released after the close of registration.

The program will provide varied workshop sessions of skills, drills, and scrimmages. Please note that space is limited. Registration is first come, first serve.

Click here to sign-up by Monday, April 22nd.

For any questions, please call 212-832-4559.

Don't know why the 5-8 year olds have to play soccer indoors at Sportspark Gym instead of outside at Firefighters Field or why the older kids have to be off the field by 12:30. Hopefully, it's not because the field is being permitted to Zog or other similar outside groups.

Image From RIRA PETITION TO SAVE OUR PLAYING FIELDS

Will find out. Stay tuned.

UPDATE 4/18 - According to a RIOC spokesperson:

The plan to keep Firefighters Field permit-free on Saturday’s remains. Having the younger kids (5-8) at Sportspark was intentional, providing more focused skill development and a better understanding of the game. The spring soccer schedule will also allow for more play time on Firefighters field for the community.

Roosevelt Island Dads Playing With Kids Kicked Off Closed Octagon Soccer Field Yesterday and Issued Trespassing Summonses By PSD - Sign RIRA Petition To Save Roosevelt Island Playing Fields For Residents - When Will Octagon Field Open?

Yesterday afternoon, 2 Roosevelt Island dads and their kids were playing soccer on the closed and fenced in Octagon Field.

Image From RIOC

They were playing until stopped by eight Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Officers, removed from the field and the 2 dads were issued summonses for trespassing.

we had eight psd officers kick us off the field and issued summons with no warning today. cc @Rooseveltisland @MainStreetWIRE @RI_Daily pic.twitter.com/Xwgl1u6lj2

— Tapan Parikh (@tap2k) March 31, 2019

And this happens when I am giving a walking tour to our friend about how unique this island is and how much despite of @RIOCny ‘s nondemocratic operation we like it here. Today was a huge setback...

— Niti Parikh (@designNPS) March 31, 2019

Any more info as to what exactly happened? RIOC says field is closed and sign posted. According to RIOC, nobody should be on field.

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) March 31, 2019

if @RIOCny actually believed in community policing, they would have at least issued a warning before giving out a summons to two dads with kids

— Tapan Parikh (@tap2k) April 1, 2019

I asked RIOC President Susan Rosenthal and Public Safety Deputy Director Kevin Brown:

Any update on why the parents were given summonses for being on The Octagon field yesterday.

Why was a warning not given first and why were 8 PSD officers sent.

Deputy Director Brown replied today:

On Sunday, we had 8 people trespassing on Octagon field. Two adults and six youths were discovered playing soccer on the Octagon field. There was damage to the brackets which are keeping the Octagon field fence closed (PSD did not witness the damage). The two adults were issued summonses for trespassing and escorted off the field. An E- ticket was processed to fix the fence which was damaged. Signs are posted on the fencing that entering will be trespassing.

Roosevelt Island residents, parents, kids and adults have been frustrated for a very long time with the lack of available playing fields

Image From RIRA

caused by the permitting of fields to outside groups such as Zog Sports

Image From RIRA

as well as the long delayed renovation of currently closed Octagon Field.

The same day that the Roosevelt Island parents were being summonsed for Trespass at the Octagon Field, Firefighters Field was being used by what appeared to be an outside permitted group (though not confirmed they were permitted).

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) has started:

RIRA PETITION TO SAVE OUR PLAYING FIELDS

with 1262 signatures so far to date.

According to the RIRA Petition:

RIOC is no longer leaving our playing fields open for the residents of Roosevelt Island. RIOC is now permitting ALL our fields against the interest of our community at the expense of Island children, adults and families.

Image From RIRA

RIOC never included Islanders in the planning and conversations about the Octagon field that includes a 10-foot fence encircling the field requiring the removal of 11 big, old, healthy, shade trees. RIOC's plan completely ignores and disregards Roosevelt Island Arbor Foundation’s designation as a “Tree City USA”.

Action Petitioned For:

OPEN PLAY, PERMIT-FREE hours after school and on the weekends at Octagon field and other playing fields. Keep Octagon field FENCE FREE. RIOC NOT CUT the trees. Reduce permitting to Off Island groups, limiting the hours to late evenings when our children don't use the field.

Click here to sign the RIRA Save Our Playing Fields Petition.

Roosevelt Island elected officials, NY State Senator Jose Serrano, NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright and NYC Council Member Ben Kallos have become involved with the playing field issue.

According to Ms Seawright's March 15 newsletter:

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Octagon Soccer Field Renovations Delayed At Least Thru Fall 2019 Says RIOC- Community Seek Greater Access To Ball Fields For Local Kids and Residents, Limit Permitting To Off Island Groups

In August 2018, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) abruptly closed down the Octagon Soccer Field announcing:

Deteriorating turf conditions at the Octagon Sports Field have forced its closure, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation announced today.

The field, which is located on the northern part of the Island, is an outdoor soccer field, used by the community daily and is one of the most popular fields on Roosevelt Island. It is used from March to mid-November, for activities including soccer, football, lacrosse, and rugby.

Existing permit holders including several adult sports leagues that held paid reservations-at $175 per hour- are being contacted and will be given refunds, RIOC said.

Due to numerous unsafe snags, rips and tears on its turf, RIOC plans to repair and redevelop the field as well as all surrounding fixtures and facilities, including comfort stations, seating, security features, and lighting design.

This major renovation will begin in the Fall of 2018....

As of February 2019, the Octagon Soccer Field renovations have not begun.

RIOC reported on February 1:

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation announced several new field usage policies today to provide more options for outdoor play while the Octagon Field is under renovation.

RIOC policy changes:

All permitting on Firefighter’s Field, excluding RIOC programming, will be suspended on Fridays and Saturdays, allowing open play until the Octagon Field renovation is complete;

Island residents will be surveyed to seek new community usage policies for the renovated Octagon Field.

Capobianco Field will be opened to permitted requests to alleviate overuse of Firefighter’s Field.

“We understand that the closing of Octagon is a serious inconvenience to young soccer players, their teams, and parents,” said Susan Rosenthal, CEO and president of RIOC. “We’re announcing these updated policies today to let the community know we’re listening, we’ve heard you, and we’re working to accommodate your requests.”

Octagon Field was closed last summer due to safety and liability concerns about the deteriorating field conditions. A full-scale renovation is underway, which will include new turf, bleachers, and a new comfort station.

While the pre-construction phases for the Octagon renovation project began in June 2018, due to unforeseen delays, the field work is now expected to be complete in Fall 2019. Once field work is complete, the Octagon will be re-opened for public use while the adjacent work on the bleachers and comfort station are completed.

RIOC did not say what are the "unforeseen delays" in renovation of the Octagon Soccer Field.

Roosevelt Island parent Miguel Pincay expresses the opinions of many who use the Octagon Soccer Field and other Roosevelt Island ball fields:

The condition of the Firefighters field is now worse than the Octagon Turf field.

The Sunday football league is the reason why the field was unusable after just a couple of weekends.

The community knew that and made it known to RIOC, yet, the Sunday Football league must go on.

The Cappobianco field sits on a slant and it doesn’t drain well. The Pony field has even worse drainage issues.

Still, RIOC wonders why the community is frustrated and fed up.

According to RI Fields For RI Residents Facebook Page

For those who don't already know the issue is this....

Roosevelt Island has an abundance of playing fields and yet because of RIOC’s permitting policies the reality is we, the residents, have limited access to them for open play and pick-up games. Organized teams and groups (mostly from off-Island) are prioritized over our children’s right to play spontaneously in their own backyard. Our property tax helps pay for these fields!

Capobianco Field which was a dedicated open play field will now be permitted out because of Octagon Field’s closure.

Capobianco and Pony Fields will be permitted out every day of the week.

Firefighter’s Field will be permitted out Mon-Thurs and Sunday.

Firefighter’s Field will be reserved for RIOC’s youth soccer program every Saturday starting in the spring.

Octagon Field is closed until Fall 2019 earliest and after that we expect RIOC will want to heavily permit it out

This means that the only time for open play for our kids and our community is Friday at Firefighters Field -- but because of school/work, that really means Friday afternoon/evenings at Firefighter's Field is the only time we can reliably count on having access to a field for open play.

What we want:

Limited permitting for non-RI sports groups. Permitting when children are less likely to use field (after 8pm, and during school hours).

Dedicated open play hours for residents (permits not required to use fields during these times) on weekends during the day and after school, for example.

Organized RI youth teams that are not part of RIOC’s youth programming should have equal access to fields for permitted practices and games.

Improved field maintenance and implementation of rules that will help keep fields in better condition (for example, an enforced policy that flag football cleats are not permitted on fields as they cause damage making them unsafe).

Stay tuned for more.

UPDATE 10:15 PM - During this eventing's Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council Meeting Public Session, Roosevelt Island mom Lauren Blankstein and her son reported on the lack of available playing time for local kids on Roosevelt Island ball fields due to the closing of Octagon Field and permitting of other fields to off-Island groups.

According to Ms Blankstein:

... I don't understand how on this Island with all this open space and green space that our kids are so restricted...

... Where are our kids supposed to play...

Ms Blankstein's son Niv Betel added

... I don't know if I'm right or wrong ... but I feel that...

RIOC thinks the:

... beautiful fields can only be used for business and not for residents. And I feel that's wrong.

Here's the presentation by Ms Blankstein and Seth.

RIOC Shuts Down Roosevelt Island Octagon Sports Field Today For Major Renovation To Begin In Fall - Artificial Turf Unsafe With Numerous Snags, Rips And Tears

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced the closing of the Octagon Sports Field



today.

According RIOC:

Deteriorating turf conditions at the Octagon Sports Field have forced its closure, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation announced today.

The field, which is located on the northern part of the Island, is an outdoor soccer field, used by the community daily and is one of the most popular fields on Roosevelt Island. It is used from March to mid-November, for activities including soccer, football, lacrosse, and rugby.

Existing permit holders including several adult sports leagues that held paid reservations-at $175 per hour- are being contacted and will be given refunds, RIOC said.

Due to numerous unsafe snags, rips and tears on its turf, RIOC plans to repair and redevelop the field as well as all surrounding fixtures and facilities, including comfort stations, seating, security features, and lighting design.

This major renovation will begin in the Fall of 2018.

The soccer program, organized this past spring by RIOC, will still be offered in the fall at different locations.

Public Use Of Roosevelt Island Facilities, Upgrades To Playgrounds, Retail Space Update & More On Agenda For RIOC Real Estate Committee Meeting Today

 Image Of Firefighters Field

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Advisory Committee is meeting today. According to RIOC:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC Administrative Office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

Agenda:

1. Review Public Utilization of Available RIOC Facilities
2. Review Upgrades to Playgrounds and Other Installations
3. Receive an Update on Retail Space Utilization
4. Enter into Executive Session to Discuss the Proposed Leases of Real Property
5. Any Other Committee Business That may be Brought Before the Committee

* * *
The Open Meetings Law of the State of New York requires that all public bodies conduct meetings, convened for the purpose of officially conducting public business, in a manner open to attendance by the general public to observe and listen.

Roosevelt Island Public Use Of RIOC Facilities, Playground Upgrades, Main Street Retail Update & More On Agenda For May 18 RIOC Real Estate Committee Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Advisory Committee is meeting tomorrow, May 18. According to RIOC:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC Administrative Office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

Agenda:

1. Review Public Utilization of Available RIOC Facilities
2. Review Upgrades to Playgrounds and Other Installations
3. Receive an Update on Retail Space Utilization
4. Enter into Executive Session to Discuss Leases of Real Property
5. Any Other Committee Business That may be Brought Before the Committee

***

The Open Meetings Law of the State of New York requires that all public bodies conduct meetings, convened for the purpose of officially conducting public business, in a manner open to attendance by the general public to observe and listen.

During April 20 RIOC Board of Directors meeting public session, Roosevelt Island parent Chris Warsing requested that RIOC make our local ball fields more available for local kids and residents by reducing the amount of permitting to off-Island groups.

The picture below shows entire Firefighters Field being used on a weekend by off-island permitted group.

Mr. Warsing also asked for the ball fields to be re-surfaced for better and safer use.

Here's what Mr. Warsing had to say.



Hopefully, this issue will be discussed as part of the public utilization of RIOC facilities agenda item.

UPDATE 5/18:

RIOC adds:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee meeting previously scheduled for Thursday, May 18, 2017 has been postponed. The date and location of the rescheduled meeting shall be announced at a later time.

NYC Social Sports Club Volleyball League Playing At Roosevelt Island's Octagon Field, But They Party In Long Island City - No Indication From RIOC When Roosevelt Island Ball Fields Are Available For Non-Paying, Pick Up Play

Image of Octagon Field

Are there any Roosevelt Island Volleyball players out there? If so, you may want to sign up for the NYC Social Sports Club Sunday Volleyball League (NYCSSC). According to Time Out NY:

Roosevelt Island’s Octagon Field
NYC Social Sports Club holds league games on Roosevelt Island’s turf-lined fields that sit next to the Octagon, the former entrance to the New York City Lunatic Asylum, now converted to condos. Registration for the seven-week season costs $75, and you can sign up with 9 to 13 more friends to form a whole team or join as a free agent. Post-match drinks go down at LIC beer hall WunderBar (37-10 11th St at 37th Ave). Octagon Field, 888 Main St, Roosevelt Island (212-929-5353, nycsocialsportsclub.com). Sun noon–6pm; $75. July 16–Aug 27. Registration closes Wed 6.

You can register here for Roosevelt Island Volleyball but registration closes later today.

Sticking up for Roosevelt Island's Riverwalk Bar & Grill, resident Ross Wollen shares this letter he wrote to Time Out NY:

As a 30+ year veteran of Roosevelt Island (and long time subscriber),  I was pleased to see mentioned RI's Octagon Field and the NYCSSC (June 30 - July 8, 2011 (p. 4)). But it was indeed weird that you recommended players "go down" to the WunderBar - which is across the RI Bridge and maybe a 15 minute walk thereafter in a very at best, commercial area - and these are folks probably with bats, gloves and balls - who came to RI on the Subway or RI Tram (no-one drives) and certainly plan to return that way. I say this in particular because RI has a great , large, newish Sports Bar ( Riverwalk Bar & Grill) located within feet of the "F" Train and yards of the Tram! I have been to the WunderBar often by car and enjoy it - but its ridiculous to send people there on foot from RI , much less the field north of the Octagon. For $.25 they can take the comfortable, new RI Red Buses from there (with A/C) to the Grill/Tram/Subway in about 10 minutes.

Another issue of concern to Roosevelt Island residents regarding the use of Roosevelt Island ball fields is that they are frequently unavailable

Sign at Capobianco Field

to the people who live here due to the fields being rented out to groups like Zog, NYCSSC and others. A previous post in 2008 reported:

An issue of great concern and resentment by many Roosevelt Islanders has been RIOC's policy that use of the Roosevelt Island playing fields is by permit only. The result of this policy has been that these fields are rented out to corporate groups and leagues, such as Zog, effectively locking out resident adults and children from using these fields during prime playing hours...

... Responding to these concerns RIOC has developed a schedule that permits residents to use the fields without permits....

riplayingfieldavailability - Upload a Document to Scribd

Read this document on Scribd: riplayingfieldavailability

Green = Available for Residents

Red = Permitted Out

I searched but was not able to find a current Roosevelt Island ball field schedule for 2011 that shows when the fields are available for non-permit paying pick up games or play on the RIOC web site but did find the rates charged for the use of  the fields which does include a discount for Roosevelt Island residents.  According to RIOC:

Whether you have a sports team looking for a field or just want to put together a pick up game, Roosevelt Island is your spot. The island offers a variety of outdoor venues for sports practices, competitions, and everyday play.

It would certainly be easier putting a pick up game together if we knew when the fields were not being rented out and if at least one field was available during weekend and evening hours.

Scenes From Grand Re-Opening Of Roosevelt Island's New Artificial Turf Octagon Soccer Field - A Very Nice Evening

Image of Newly Re-Opened Roosevelt Island Octagon Soccer Field With Artificial Turf

The Grand Re-Opening Celebration of the Roosevelt Island Octagon Soccer Field with it's newly installed artificial turf surface occurred last Thursday evening and was a wonderful event. Kudos go out to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) and it's Community Relations Specialist Erica Wilder for what was a well organized and fun event for all who participated.

The early evening event began with great anticipation as Roosevelt Islanders of all ages lined up just on the outskirt of the Octagon Field to await the opening ceremonies



which began with brief remarks by Ms. Wilder and RIOC's Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez.


RIOC President Leslie Torres then presented the RIOC engineering staff


headed by Director Tom Turcic

with a plaque of commendation for their work in getting the field open, followed by RIOC's Permits Program Coordinator Donna Masly urging all Roosevelt Island residents to make use of the field.


Zog Sports representatives, including it's CEO Rob Herzog, then gave out raffle tickets for 20 soccer balls that they had donated for the occasion.




Members of the New York Red Bulls Special Tricks Squad (not the team players) then came out on the field to perform soccer tricks to the delight of the crowd.





Finally, the moment arrived for the official ribbon cutting

by RIOC President Leslie Torres

There's More!




and the Roosevelt Island Octagon Soccer Field was officially open as the waiting kids rushed on the field

to start playing.

Later in the evening, Zog's Rob Herzog and RIOC's Ms. Torres handed out free soccer balls to the raffle winners.


Zog's Event & Philanthropy Coordinator Jodi Kanter later reported:

ZogSports was excited to help the residents of Roosevelt Island celebrate the grand re-opening of Octagon field last night. As part of our continued dedication to supporting, respecting and improving the communities in which we play, we were thrilled to donate 20 high-end soccer balls to the residents of the island. During the raffle (and afterwards on the field) we could see that we helped make these 20 kids so happy. We plan to continue to support youth sports on the island through our ongoing relationship with the Roosevelt Island Youth Center. We look forward to seeing everyone running around this fall.

Amalgamated Bank was also one of the event's sponsors


and let's not forget the Octagon Soccer Field Grand Re-Opening Celebration Cake either!


As darkness arrived, the lights came on and play continued into the evening.




It was a very nice evening and RIOC deserves credit for doing a good job.

RIOC Vice President Martinez indicated that the field will not be fenced in and will be open for spontaneous use and pick up games when not being used by organized leagues and others with permits but expressed the hope that the field will not be abused by those who use it.

Last Saturday morning, I walked on the field and was saddened to see it littered in some places with leftover water bottles and discarded ice cream cups.



More garbage cans near the field will be helpful but only if people care enough to put their garbage in the cans.

Roosevelt Island Youth Center Director Charlie DeFino has suggested the possibility of using the fields for Little League Baseball and softball as well.

I did hear from one parent who told me that her child fell on the field, scraping her knee and felt a burning sensation which hurt more than when she fell on natural grass.

City Limits magazine recently reported on the use of artificial turf at NYC parks:

... Artificial turf is part of PlaNYC, Mayor Michael Bloomberg's blueprint for an environmentally friendly future. Yet a City Limits investigation has found that overuse and chronic neglect has run turf ragged years ahead of schedule; price comparisons generally favor natural grass, even in the long term; and the health risks of turf—largely dismissed by the city after the destruction of one artificial field for high lead levels in late 2008—are much broader and deeper than previously reported.

After years of rejecting health concerns, the city recently agreed to switch materials and to set up new protocols for testing artificial turf, but the backroom negotiations that brought these concessions actually kept more threatening information from seeing the light of day

Paul, a reader of the City Limits article comments:

Synthetic turf is a necessary solution to urban athletes' tremendous need for playing fields. The alternative to synthetic turf, and my personal preference, living grass, requires irrigation; needs weekly rest periods during the growing season; cannot be played on while it is wet; and must be closed to play when it is seeded and during the winter to prevent root damage. All of this is necessary down time that NYC residents do not understand or respect. When the safety issues are resolved, the 12 month/seven day/all weather play opportunities synthetic turf affords will be well worth the expense.

A reader sends in this link to WNYC's Brian Lehrer interviewing the City Limits writer on artificial turf in NYC Parks.



Whatever the relative merits of artificial turf, the Grand Opening Celebration for the Re-Opening of Roosevelt Island's Octagon Soccer Field was a very nice evening.