Roosevelt Island Soccer Field Renamed To Honor Retired Public Safety Chief Jack McManus For Bringing Outstanding Community Policing Service To RI And Coaching Youth Soccer Too

On October 2, the newly renovated Roosevelt Island soccer field was reopened and renamed in honor of recently retired Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus

Image From RIOC Facebook Page

for his outstanding service to the Roosevelt Island community these past 6 years and for his work coaching soccer to many of our local youth.

I spoke with the Chief after the ribbon cutting and renaming ceremony for the Roosevelt Island Jack McManus Soccer Field. Chief McManus was clearly moved by the outpouring of appreciation and respect telling me:

... This is overwhelming. In a million years I would never see this coming. I don't do it for that reason. I enjoy working with the kids. I'm flattered beyond explanation  and appreciative and.... I'm so happy that my family could be here as well.

 Image Of Chief McManus With His Family Following Renaming Ceremony

Chief McManus also talks about why he decided to coach soccer to the Roosevelt  Island youth and how it helped the Public Safety Department.



Here's the renaming ceremony hosted by Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal



followed by the young Roosevelt Island soccer players

Image from RIOC Facebook Page

running on the newly renovated



Jack McManus Soccer Field for the first time.

Newly Renovated Roosevelt Island Soccer Field To Be Renamed After Retired Public Safety Chief And Youth Soccer Coach Jack McManus Tomorrow Afternoon, You're Invited - A Well Deserved Honor For Chief McManus

Retired Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief and Youth Soccer Coach Jack McManus 

 Image From Adib Mansour

will receive a well deserved honor tomorrow as the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) renames the newly renovated Octagon Soccer Field



as Jack McManus Field. 

According to RIOC:

Octagon Field will be renamed Jack McManus Field this Wednesday, October2nd at 4:00PM. What’s more is that we will not be issuing permits for the field until October 28th, which means residents can use it whenever they’d like between now and then. It’s RIOC’s way of thanking the community for being patient during this process.

More on what Chief McManus means to the Roosevelt Island community at this prior post.

Roosevelt Island Youth Soccer Program For Kids 5-18 Starts October 1 At Newly Renovated Octagon Soccer Field - Tryouts Scheduled For Saturday September 21, Register For RI Soccer Program Now

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) reports that the 2019 Fall Youth Soccer Program begins Tuesday October 1 at the new renovated Octagon Field.

According to RIOC:

Youth Soccer- Fall Program

Roosevelt Island's most popular sport, soccer, will begin the 2019 season with tryouts Saturday, September 21st at Firefighter's Field beginning at 8:30 AM. The program, which was temporarily relocated to Firefighter’s and Capobianco fields last fall, will return to its original home, Octagon Soccer Field, in October. Register here!

This year’s season will officially begin on Tuesday, October 1st with practices held Tuesday and Friday evenings from 6- 8 PM and games played on Saturday's from 8:30 AM- 3 PM. The season will conclude with championship game play on Saturday, November 16th. The program will be compiled of teams in the following age divisions:

Kinderkickers (5 - 6 year-olds)
Minors (7 - 8 year-olds)
Sophomores (9 -10 year-olds)
Juniors (11-13 year-olds)
Seniors (14 -18 year-olds)

As previously reported, the renovated Octagon Soccer Field will re-open by end of September and the second phase of the renovation is currently underway which::

... 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....

The new artificial turf has been laid on Octagon Field



so play can resume while work continues on Phase 2 of the renovation.

Roosevelt Island youth can register here for the Soccer Program.

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.

Hey Susan - RIOC President Susan Rosenthal Answers Roosevelt Island Residents Questions On Playground Renovations For Summer, Octagon Soccer Field Fencing, Tree Removal And Enforcing Dog Poop Rules

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal answers your questions in this sixth installment of Hey Susan feature.

HEY SUSAN!

An occasional column of questions and answers to and from RIOC President and CEO Susan Rosenthal

HEY SUSAN!

What is the latest update on the playground updates and repairs? Weren’t there plans to enlarge the playground and redo the sandbox last fall? With summer coming and the kids outside all day, it would be a shame to close them for renovations now. Is there any plans to revise the kids’ sprinklers which could use a major overhaul as well given the rocky sharp surfaces and the poor drainage?

SUSAN: The landscape architecture consultant hired to prepare drawings for improvements needed in the park is currently doing their analysis and inventory of needs. One part of the plan is to replace the sandbox with new “climbing” equipment. Once the analysis is complete, the consultant will make recommendations for work to be included in the contract. We have scheduled design work to finish late summer so the construction work can take place in the fall, when the kids are back in school.

HEY SUSAN!

Is it true that RIOC is going to permanently fence in the Octagon Soccer Field and remove about 10 trees?

SUSAN: The design for Octagon Soccer field include a low 3’-6” fence along the south and west sides of the field to keep the ball on the field of play. The fence along the west side will have a 76’ opening at the center of the field for access. There are seven trees in poor condition that will be removed. These trees will be impacted by the excavation work needed to make the paths ADA accessible. We are also planting ten trees as part of the work for this contract.

HEY SUSAN!

RI's residents allow their dogs to poop in the small park located in front of Piccolo Trattoria pizzeria. Residents ignore the 3-4 signs that are very well located around this area. On this regard, what can you do? Can RIOC place bigger signs? Can you introduce fines to dog's owner?

SUSAN: We will speak with our public safety officers about strictly enforcing the rules about dog waste and request they issue summons as appropriate. We can also analyze which sites have the most offenders and install additional signage and/or dog waste bag dispensers, as needed.


Do you have a question you’d like to have answered by RIOC President & CEO Susan Rosenthal? Send it to the subject HEY SUSAN! at information@rioc.ny.gov. Want to report a problem? Send us feedback at rioc.ny.gov/Requesttracker.aspx.

Here's just one example of a dog owner ignoring signage right in front of him prohibiting dogs on grass

in the Rivewalk Commons area.

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 Sports Field Construction Update, Lighthouse Bridge Repair, Sportspark Design, Motorgate, Tram Track Rope & Gift Of Art Sculpture (Giant Dollar Sign) Among Items On February 21 RIOC Operations Committee Meeting Agenda

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee is meeting tomorrow, February 21.

 Image Of Closed Octagon Playing Field

 According to RIOC:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Operations Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 5:00 P.M. at RIOC Capital Planning and Projects Office, 680 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

AGENDA:

5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.:
Chair’s Motion for Executive Session to Discuss:
a. Pending Litigation
b. Vendor’s Performance under the Contract Financial History of Corporation

6:00 P.M.:
1. Gift of Art Sculpture
2. Landscaping Request for Proposal
3. Lighthouse Bridge Repair (Emergency)
4. Tram Track Rope Project
5. Octagon Field Construction award
6. Sportspark Design Request for Proposal
7. Blackwell House Interior Restoration for Saratoga Associates Change Order 4 & 5
8. Motorgate Assessment and Graphics - Lawrence Group
9. 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.

My understanding is that the art sculpture gift is a large 30 foot statue of a Dollar Bill sited on land next to Octagon Field near the Tom Otterness Marriage of Real Estate and Money sculptures in East River.

More on the Octagon Field closure and community protest at prior post.

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.

Roosevelt Island Capital Projects, Landscaping & Tram Repairs On RIOC Operations Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda For Wednesday January 23 - When Will Octagon Soccer Field Be Fixed?

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee is meeting tomorrow, January 23. Among the items on the Agenda are:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Operations Advisory Committee Meeting of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 5:30 P.M. at RIOC Administrative Office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

AGENDA:

1. Capital Projects – Key Projects Review

2. Discussion of Landscaping RFP

3. POMA Tram Repairs Update

4. Chair’s Motion for Executive Session to Review Vendor’s Performance under the Contract

5. Any Other Committee Business that May be Brought Before the Committee

Among the current Roosevelt Island capital projects is the renovation of the Octagon Soccer Field which was supposed to begin in the Fall of 2018 so it would be ready in time for Spring 2019 Soccer season.

As of January 2019, renovation of the Octagon Soccer Field has not begun yet

and I'm told the field will be closed at least for the remainder of 2019.

Will update if any more info discussed at the Operations Advisory Committee meeting on Wednesday.

UPDATE 7 PM - RIOC announced this evening that the Operations Advisory Committee meeting has been postponed until February 5:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the meeting of the Operation Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors previously schedule for Wednesday, January 23, 2019 has been rescheduled and will be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at RIOC Administration Office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York....

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.

Roosevelt Island Helix Repairs & Octagon Sports Field Renovations Among Items On RIOC Board Of Directors Meeting Today - Current Octagon Field Lights Still Need Fixing

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM today at the Cultural Center Theater, 548 Main Street.

Prior to the start of the RIOC Board meeting, there will be a public comment period. Sign up here to speak at the meeting.

According to RIOC:

AGENDA

MAY 17, 2018 MEETING OF

THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

THE CULTURAL CENTER THEATER, 548 MAIN STREET,

ROOSEVELT ISLAND, NEW YORK

5:30 P.M.[1]

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. Approval of Minutes

1. April 18, 2018 Board Meeting (Board Action Required)

IV. Old Business

New Business
Presentation/Update by Assistant VP of Capital Planning and Projects on the Helix Repairs.

Authorization to Enter into Contracts for Architectural and Engineering Services (Board Action Required)

Authorization to Enter into Contract with Abel Bainnson Butz, LLP for Design Services in Connection with the Octagon Sports Field Project (Board Action Required)

President’s report

Committee Reports

a. Audit Committee

b. Governance Committee

c. Operations Advisory Committee

d. Real Estate Development Advisory Committee

Public Safety Report
Adjournment

[1] The RIOC Board Meeting will commence following a public comment period. The public comment period is not part of the meeting.

Current Octagon Field Lights still need to be fixed reports Twitter.

You'll never guess, 1 week later, still no light repairs... pic.twitter.com/2Wyr7pYAx6

— BriefCaseNI (@BriefCaseNI) May 11, 2018

May 17 RIOC Board meeting Agenda and Board materials here.

Dangerous Condition At Octagon Field Perimeter Needs Fixing Before Anyone Else Stumbles And Gets Hurt Says Roosevelt Island Twitterverse

A Roosevelt Island resident takes to Twitter to get a dangerous grounds condition fixed.

@Rooseveltisland this is very dangerous and need to be fixed. Thanks pic.twitter.com/tqlMHHrkq9

— Moncef (@moncef22) April 28, 2018

Hope this can help pic.twitter.com/gHOoQWhP78

— Moncef (@moncef22) April 28, 2018

Yes, thank you very much!

— Moncef (@moncef22) April 28, 2018

Another resident adds:

Already busted my knees stumbling while running around there. Three years ago. Complained in writing thru official channels. Radio silence. So good luck with this!

— Mirella Menglide (@MirellaMenglide) April 29, 2018

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) needs to fix this before someone else gets hurt.

UPDATE 5:10 PM RIOC tweets:

Good afternoon, I am the new public information officer for @RIOCny. I'm inquiring about this and another question regarding the streets around the Octagon. I will respond shortly.

— RIOC NYS (@RIOCny) April 30, 2018

RIOC Pubic Information Alonza Robertson adds:

We are aware of the issue at the perimeter of Octagon Field. We will have a crew there tomorrow to correct the situation.

We will be awarding an RFP shortly for a contractor to build a bathroom/comfort station there as well as to replace the existing artificial turf, better LED lighting and make other needed structural improvements to that entire field area. That work is now slated to begin this fall after this summer sports season December 1.

UPDATE 5/1:

So until then 22 lights will remain broken leaving only 8 working? Assuming the field is available at a discount rate? To be fair the lights have been broken for a while.

— BriefCaseNI (@BriefCaseNI) April 30, 2018

@RIOCny All it would take is a cherry picker and new lights in the meantime. In New York Fall 2018 means Spring 2020.

— BriefCaseNI (@BriefCaseNI) April 30, 2018

UPDATE 5/1 7:30 PM - According to RIOC Public Information Oficer Alonzo Robertson

The repairs to the existing lighting system is happening now. I know that an electrician is there fixing some wiring issues, half are already back on. The brand new LED light lamps is what’s going to get installed with the entire field renovation package to start on Dec. 1.

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer Championship Day Saturday November 18 - Come Out And See The Action At Octagon Field

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Executive Director Charlie Defino reports:

Roosevelt Island Youth Program

Soccer 2017 Championship Day

November 18th

Last weekend sixteen teams battled it out to get to Championship for their divisions, in both the Minors and Sophmores, games were settled in exciting overtime shootouts.

Upcoming: RIYP Championship games this week will be at 10am for Minors, 12pm for Sophmores, 2pm for Junior's and the Seniors at 4pm. Join us and your children for an exciting day of soccer!

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Begins 16th Year Of Free Soccer Program Saturday, September 16 - Come Out To Octagon Park And Watch The Action

Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) Executive Director Charlie Defino reports:

The Roosevelt Island Youth Program's Free 16th soccer season will commence Saturday, September 16 at Octagon Field.

Games will start at 9:30AM and continue to 7PM. The league has 20 teams and 400 youth participating in the co-ed league With over 400 youth in the soccer league, 250 summer camp participants and over 143 after-school registrants, RIYP has now registered an um-duplicated count of slightly over 650 youth.

We expects to service approximately 1000 residents over the next year with a wide-array of services. We would love to see everyone on Roosevelt Island supporting the Soccer League, so come out and see our kids in action.

A sample of action



from prior year of RIYP Soccer at Octagon Field.

Garbage Left On Roosevelt Island Octagon Soccer Field Reports Resident, More Containers And Signage Needed - More Care By Players Too

A Roosevelt Island resident reports:

On Sunday I took some pictures of all the garbage

the soccer players throw

around the field.

I realize that they should have more garbage containers / trash cans. The closest they have are in the boardwalk or the street.

We also need signs around the island advising (or reminding) that we are in "an Island" and any garbage the wind blows, it will end up in the river. Making the problem worse.

Roosevelt Island Octagon Field Comfort Stations Closed Until Further Notice Says RIOC Due To Emergency Plumbing Repairs - Portable Toilets On Site

 Image From Field Finder

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Please be advised that, due to emergency plumbing repairs, the Octagon Comfort Station is currently closed until further notice. Portable toilets are on site today, Friday, April 28th. Due to the heavy use of the Octagon Field, they will be serviced and cleaned daily.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Opening Day Of 2016 Fall Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer League Season At Octagon Field - 360 Kids Playing And Having A Great Time In Free Soccer Program For Boys And Girls

The Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) 2016 Fall Soccer League Season opening day took place Saturday, September 17 on a beautiful sunny day at the Octagon Soccer Field.

Image From Nataliia Ilnytska

360 Roosevelt Island

boys and girls

between the ages of 5 - 16

will play every Saturday

within their divisions through November 19 in the free RIYP Fall Soccer League at the October Soccer Field.

RIYP Sports Director/Beacon Deputy Director Andrey Chickagov took a break from his Opening Day responsibilities to talk with me about the upcoming RIYP Soccer League Season.  Mr. Chickagov said our young soccer players have:

...a great time like they always do at the Roosevelt Island Youth Program....

Here's Mr. Chicagov.



You're invited to come out and root for the RIYP Soccer players every Saturday this fall at the Octagon Field.



Also, adult volunteer soccer coaches are always needed and welcomed.

If interested you can contact RIYP here.

Home Grown Roosevelt Island Players Competing In The Zum Schneider FC '03 Soccer Derby For Gotham Soccer League Division 1 Title At Octagon Field Thursday Night June 16 - Come Out And Watch The Exciting Action

Roosevelt Island resident and Soccer Player Andrew Giacalone reports:

The 2016 Zum Schneider FC '03 Roosevelt Island Derby is Here!

Two of Roosevelt Island's winningest soccer teams will meet in a head-to-head clash on Roosevelt Island this week as they battle it out for the Gotham Soccer League Division 1 title in what will be the Island's first-ever soccer derby.

The two teams - Zum Schneider Blau and Zum Schneider Gelb - are satellite squads of the larger Zum Schneider FC '03 - a club whose spiritual home is at the Zum Schneider beer hall in the East Village but which has found numerous enthusiastic players and supporters among Roosevelt Island soccer aficionados.

Led by Roosevelt Island resident Robert Manukyan, Zum Schneider Blau is fresh off a successful season in the semi-professional Cosmopolitan Soccer League winning both promotion to the League's First Division and the League Cup - a historic double for any Roosevelt Island soccer team. I manage the Gelb Team which recently competed in its fourth Gotham Soccer League final.

This is a unique event for Roosevelt Island. I've lived on Roosevelt Island since 1989 and won a State Cup with the Roosevelt Island Strikers, but never has the Island produced so much home-grown talent and never would I have thought that two Island teams would be playing against each other in a competitive New York league.

Mr. Manukyan, who played his college soccer at Vassar, also praised the Island's development of talented players and voiced hope that the club would receive greater support and more enthusiasm from Island residents and businesses. To this day, only the Roosevelt Island Cleaners have offered any material support, washing, drying and folding the teams' home and away kits week in and week out.

“We obviously want to build a local and loyal fan-base and develop a soccer architecture here on the island under the Zum Schneider brand for generations to come,” confirmed Mr. Manukyan. "As a result, we're also actively recruiting and would love to welcome more Roosevelt Islanders into Zum Schneider FC '03 to play in one of our many teams."

The 2016 Zum Schneider FC '03 Roosevelt Island Derby kicks off at 9:00 PM on Thursday, June 16 at the Octagon Field.

Come out and watch some high-level soccer, follow us on Facebook and join the Zum Schneider Roosevelt Island Football Club family!

Gotham Soccer League Adult Co-ed Teams Returning To Roosevelt Island's Octagon Field This Spring - Sign Up For Exercise, Fun And Meet New Friends

If you would you like to play in an adult Co-ed Soccer League at the Roosevelt Island Octagon Field

Image Of Octagon Soccer Game From Gotham Soccer League Video

this spring, Gotham Soccer League's

 Image From Gotham Soccer League

Todd Jasko has good news. According to Mr. Jasko:

Gotham Soccer League's Spring 2016 Coed Soccer League

Who: Adult (18+) soccer players

What: Coed 8v8 soccer league (minimum 2 women on the field)

When: Thursday nights, 8pm kickoffs, from March 3rd through May 26

Where: Octagon Field on Roosevelt Island (first stop on the F train leaving Manhattan)

Why: Have fun, get exercise, and make new friends playing the world's favorite sport!

How much: $1690 for teams, $150 for individuals (10-game season)

Extras: All teams will be professionally photographed and filmed in 4K HD at least once. Trophy and medals for the winners and the leading goalscorers of both genders.

According to the Gotham Soccer League web site:

Gotham Soccer League was formed in the Summer of 2006 out of a strong desire for weeknight games of full-field, 11-a-side, 90-minute footy. We know how important the field conditions are for a game, and concentrate on using only the best fields in New York City. We have since grown to become one of New York City's most competitive leagues....

and:

... We offer coed leagues playing on various fields throughout NYC including Octagon Field on Roosevelt Island and Pier 40 in Manhattan. Games are 48 minutes long, with 24-minute halves. Our coed leagues require a minimum of 2 women on the field (not including the goalkeeper)....

Here's a Gotham Soccer League mashup of plays at Roosevelt Island's Octagon Field from an August game last summer.



Click here for more information or to join the Gotham Co-ed Soccer League at Roosevelt Island's Octagon Field.

Soccer Star Goalie Tim Howard Visits Roosevelt Island Octagon Field Yesterday For Tourette's Syndrome Charity Shootout Event

Image Of Tim Howard At Roosevelt Island Octagon Soccer Field From Kim Massie

The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse reported yesterday that star Soccer Goalie Tim Howard was on Roosevelt Island at the Octagon Soccer Field.

Image From Kim Massie

@JohnPalladino7 @TimHowardGK is on #RooseveltIsland today? The kids would love this. @Rooseveltisland @MainStreetWIRE

— John Massey (@john_m_massey) October 14, 2015

Why was Tim Howard on Roosevelt Island yesterday? According to My Central Jersey:

Blocking four out of five shots, North Brunswick native and U.S. Men’s Soccer Team goalkeeper Tim Howard racked up $80,000 for his charity of choice — the N.J. Center for Tourette Syndrome. Adding in money raised by fans retweeting sponsor El Jimador Tequila's hashtag for $1 a retweet, the NJCTS was presented with a check for $105,000 at Octagon Fields on Roosevelt Island on Wednesday.

Before the shootout, Howard, who was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome as a child, shook the referee's hand and assured him that he would “try his best.”...

Click here for the full My Central Jersey article.

The Twitterverse adds:

In one hour I need to save five penalties to win $100k for @NJCTS in #NoPressure watch here https://t.co/wwFaeCt6l8 #kickTS

— tim howard (@TimHowardGK) October 14, 2015

Our 5 winners are ready to take their shot against @TimHowardGK. Any bets on who can score? #TakeOnTim #eljimador pic.twitter.com/1rg7BswPid

— el Jimador Tequila (@jimieljimador) October 14, 2015

Congrats to our $20,000 winner, Bryce Pigott who was able to score on @TimHowardGK!! @Commondub #TakeOnTim pic.twitter.com/m9058sLgip

— el Jimador Tequila (@jimieljimador) October 14, 2015

Here's the shootout (Click the full screen icon for better view).



More on Tim Howard soccer player and living



with Tourette's Syndrome.