Thru the Lens: Skanska has received the 2010 "Friend of the Park" award

Skanska has received the 2010 "Friend of the Park" award at the Friends of Hudson River Park's annual gala that was held on May 6. The award was presented by Friends of Hudson River Park co-chair and chairman of The Durst Organization, Douglas Durst. The presentation was in recognition of Skanska's management and redevelopment of multiple projects in Hudson River Park, along with Skanska's overarching commitment to public spaces within New York City. The event began with a preview reception in the soon-to-open Chelsea section of Hudson River Park at 22nd and 23rd Sts., followed by dinner at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia headquarters in the Starrett-Lehigh Building. James Robinson of Skanska was included in the speaking program and Martha Stewart served as the honorary chair of the event. "We are proud to receive recognition from Friends of Hudson River Park for our work on a project with such a tremendous significance for the residents of our city," said Robinson, VP and account manager for the Metro New York Area at Skanska USA Building. "We look forward to continuing to maximize open space opportunities in New York City." Skanska worked closely with the Hudson River Park Trust, the joint city-state agency responsible for operating and maintaining the Park, and the community in managing multiple segments of building and redevelopment projects in Hudson River Park, including large sections of Clinton Cove, Pier 95 and 96, the boathouse at 56th St., Pier 64, Pier 84 and Pier 86, the home of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Skanska is proud to have assisted in Hudson River Park's construction while minimizing its impact on the environment and native wildlife. Other award recipients included Lynden Miller, public garden designer and Director of the Conservatory Garden in Central Park, who was honored for her thoughtful design and contributions to many of the public gardens in New York City and Ross Graham for her service to the Friends of Hudson River Park, Manhattan's West Side and the New York State Senate. Graham currently serves as a Board Co-Chair to Friends of Hudson River Park.