Demolition is underway and almost complete at the 7.5-acre Parkwood Sports Complex in Great Neck, Long Island, according to Creative Design Associates (CDA), a full-service architecture firm based in New York City. Earlier this year, the Town of North Hempstead issued a $15.5 million capital improvement bond to the park. Its monies are being used to update the park's design, to enhance its operations through repair and upgrade of aging infrastructure, and to create additional recreational areas.
"With construction set to begin in early November, we are right on track to get this significant project completed on time, and on budget," said CDA project manager Spencer Levine, who notes that one of the projects earmarked for improvement is the complex's aquatic facility, which includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool, kiddy pool and bathhouses. "Area residents will be happy to know that the pools and bathhouses will be ready for the 2008 summer season, and a brand-new aquatic lazy river and water playground will be ready for the 2009 summer season."
"CDA is committed to preserving the unique charm and beauty of this longstanding community park, which is receiving its first thorough rehabilitation in more than forty years, while also modernizing the facility so that families can enjoy its ample recreational opportunities for many years to come," said CDA principal Vincent Cangelosi.
The architecture firm collaborated for 24 months with Park District officials and the public prior to assembling the bond package to ensure that the plans and goals presented to the town during the bond application process fully represented the community's needs.
"The revitalization of Parkwood may not have been a reality if it weren't for the commitment and dedication of Creative Design Associates to the community of Great Neck," said Neil Marrin, superintendent of the Great Neck Park District. "We consider ourselves very fortunate to have retained a firm with extensive recreational design experience, exceptional creativity, and a sensitivity to its client's needs."
In addition to updating the aquatic facility, which has close to 21,000 s/f of surface water, CDA will help turn the park's full-sized, standard ice rink into a premier ice-skating and hockey destination through renovations and the addition of locker rooms and recreational space. The firm will also design the 3,000 s/f of office space being added to the Park District's Central Administration Office on Beach Road.
Many of these renovations and additions are being designed utilizing green principles as outlined by The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Standards (LEEDS). These methods will be incorporated by CDA in ways that will optimize energy performance, use of locally supplied, sustainable building materials, and cogeneration of HVAC and plumbing to reduce energy consumption and cost.
CDA is also revitalizing the Great Neck Park District's historic Village Green—a Victorian park designed in the early 1900s by renowned landscape architect Beatrix Farrand. "Upon completion, the Village Green will feature an innovative playground designed using traditional equipment and landscape features that creates a sensory play experience for children and adults of all abilities," said Levine. "The Sensory Play Garden will be a great addition to the Park District."
"We have great confidence in CDA's ability to create a centerpiece of Victorian charm as the Village Green was originally created in the 1920s," said Ruth Tamarin, chairperson of the Great Neck Park District Board of Commissioners. "Its renovation will also restore and revitalize the old village of Great Neck." Tags: