Manhattan Borough President / Parks Department Renovation Project
Over the years the railroad ties that have held the very large raised bed, known as RING, from falling into the street, have started to crumble. In September of 1995 Maggie Clarke started the process to get funding to replace the rotting ties with something more durable, while at the same time improving the appearance of the garden with a wrought iron fence and making it more accessible to the neighborhood with a couple of additional entrances.
At our request, the Parks Dept. provided us with an initial estimate in late 1995 and we went shopping for funds in early 1996. Much to our delight, Ruth Messinger, the Manhattan Borough President, agreed to fund the Parks project from her discretionary capital funds. She provided $215,000 initially, and subsequently, in the 1997 budget cycle, added funds to total $232,000.
RING has only an advisory role in what the Parks Dept. does with this funding. We have had one meeting with Parks Dept. landscape architects (March 10, 1998) and presented them with the following list. Parks indicated that work would probably begin in Fall, 1998. As of May, we await their response as to the specifics.
RING's Wish List for RING Garden Reconstruction:
First presented at October 3,
1996 site meeting with Bob Redmond and Chris Crowley of NYC Parks
(comments made by Parks during meeting included) (approved by CB12 Manhattan, 9/97)
Structure:
Replace current fence with Iron fence following inside of existing sidewalks; angling in to current main and new entrance gate locations. (Parks: 7' with pickets and maybe built-in bulletin boards at the blunted corners)
Install 20" schist rock wall against old 18" RR ties inside. Outside walls shaped around tree pits just inside new fence line. Make outside stone walls 15" high (Parks suggests 6" curb height for outside wall, sloping down from current 2' RR ties -RING wonders about soil erosion?). Don't remove old ties; let them rot.
Add 2 more small (4'?) entrances to garden on Dyckman and Riverside ~20-30' from "the Point" (B'way end).
New design would add a small social area or patio in garden -- where small gatherings can be held (between two new entrances) and extend grass across the north path grading up to railroad ties, and incorporate stepping stones to and from a group of benches at edge of grass. Stepping stones would also lead from current (south) path to meditative garden cove in the Japanese area (see schematic drawing)
New design includes a small administrative area to the left after entering at Seaman so that composters, in-garden storage and water meter can be away from Seaman entrance.
Ancillary Features:
Bring Electricity outlet into garden (for Xmas tree mainly) from street light pole nearest "the Point" (perhaps via one of the new entrances to minimize construction impacts on Garden plantings)
Run water line into the garden; (Via old Seaman entrance?) 5 new spigots. (Parks: 4) Hide water meter station.
Drinking fountain. (Near Seaman entrance to minimize construction?) (Don't disturb arbor at entrance)
Permanent plantings as needed to replace those damaged in the construction (e.g., perennials & bulbs, sod, small evergreen shrubs, Japanese maple, groundcovers). New pond and waterfalls shaped with a liner rather than a pre-formed shell, towards "the Point".
3 additional solar collectors and water pump for new and existing waterfalls. Parks provides ~$5K fund from original allocation for RING to purchase and install these after reconstruction?)
New Benches inside. (e.g. on side of old and new entrances, in meditative cove and along north stepping stones)
Sculpture garden (Parks' idea: brass squirrels, turtles, frogs, butterflies?)
More lighting inside (those solar-driven ones (w/batteries)?)
Stone walls around London Plane trees. (Prune these trees back to allow light, visibility, reduce interference)
Outside:
New, two-seater (Parks: 4' world's fair) benches with impenetrable dividers down the middle of each, away from new fence. Locations along Dyckman sidewalk in five groups. (Remove old benches)
3-4 trash / recycling stations on Dyckman sidewalk. Make these cans accessible to Parks' garbage trucks without them having to drive on sidewalk
Remove Riverside parking meters to permit more sidewalk use. Extend sidewalk back out to preexisting line.
3 more Bulletin boards (Parks: look at Bulletin Boards in Wash. Square Park playground, SE of arch)
Large, Self-standing Map and Legend sign of Garden Plantings for "the Point". (On reverse of sign: RING History and Volunteer Opportunities). Also, a dedicatory plaque for Messinger, etc. somewhere.
A few high planters for large shrubs (e.g. butterfly bushes and evergreens) along parked cars, Dyckman side (RING maintains shrubs; Parks replants if necessary?)
Reconstruction Process:
RING works with Parks on design and scheduling.
Limit amount of time that contractors may take to finish project (Parks: 6 months?) (RING: less? - 3 mo?)
Try to limit reconstruction to non-gardening months as much as possible (Parks: may not be possible)
Minimize damage to garden. No
front end loaders in the Garden. Keep access for RING volunteers.