Friends of Stryker Park is committed to creating a park on the north side of 97th St. between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues on the Upper West Side.
Leader
Jim Henderson
Location
W. 97th St. New York, NY 10025
The sidewalk is unusually wide - about 50 feet and a full city block long. It’s mostly concrete and pretty bleak. We are also looking at the area just to the west of P.S. 163. Currently, it's used by the NYC Parks Department for vehicle and equipment storage. We believe this is a poor use of precious open space.
We hope to change this.
The Friends of Stryker Park team successfully petitioned the Department of Transportation (DOT) to install five “CityBenches” along the block. In the Spring of 2014, we spruced up the block, painting the light poles that run down the middle of the sidewalk. Many were pitted and rusted. While we were at it, we took care of the fire hydrants and bike racks. We also planted flowers several of the tree beds.
All along, we’ve been talking to our neighbors, getting feedback and generating great interest in Stryker Park.
Our long term plan includes applying to the DOT’s “Plaza Program,” which transforms underused street and sidewalk areas into vibrant, public spaces and working with the NYC Parks Department to transform the underutilized space next to P.S. 163 into a wonderful community garden, partnering with P.S. 163 and the PTA with educational programs.
For the Fall of 2014, we are working once again with our friends at the DOT to create a “One Day Plaza.” Our goal is to demonstrate the idea of a public plaza, gauge interest and get ideas on what the community would like to see happen with the space. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014.
Elements include: seating areas, entertainment, activities for children, an “urban lawn, farmer’s market and much more.
Some of things we’ll need to pull this off we’ll get for free from various partners and sponsors. But other things do cost money and we’ll need your help. We’re about halfway there to our goal. Your contribution will help make Stryker Park a reality.
Foot traffic on West 97th Street. has increased dramatically since the opening of the Columbus Square shopping area. We believe Stryker Park would be a terrific enhancement to the neighborhood, the students and staff of P.S. 163, the residents of the surrounding apartment buildings and shoppers heading to Columbus Square.
