A beloved East Side park has a new entrance and improved access to its garden thanks to the city’s Adopt-A-Park program.
Dozens of neighbors, community leaders and elected officials gathered at St. Vartan Park in Murray Hill on Saturday to celebrate the opening of its enhanced entrance and new garden pathway, which will improve accessibility for visitors with disabilities.
The sprawling park, located at 617 1st Ave., has a new look in its garden area, which features new plantings and better accessibility. The path surface is wider and smoother, improving maneuverability for people who use wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices.
The Soloviev Foundation paid for the three-month construction project as part of NYC Parks’ Adopt-A-Park program, which allows organizations to provide financial support for renovating parks, playgrounds and recreation centers.
“We’re Manhattan builders and developers. We’ve always been very socially responsible and give back to the community,” said Michael Hershman, CEO of the Soloviev Group. “It just so happens that the park is in an area where we work.”
Soloviev is one of several Manhattan developers vying for a coveted state gaming license, poised to possibly build a full-scale casino at Freedom Plaza, located near St. Vartan Park off the FDR Drive between 37th and 41st Streets.
Until now, the park’s entrance and pathway into the garden were not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“The St. Vartan Park Conservancy team is thrilled that this upgrade further expands the inclusivity and equity for this glorious green oasis,” said Kevin O’Keefe, founder and president of the organization. “We are thankful to be part of this community, which came together to deliver a public good that can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
In addition to the garden, other parts of St. Vartan Park include a playground, football fields, and basketball and handball courts, some — but not all — of which are wheelchair accessible.
NYC Parks Manhattan Borough Commissioner Tricia Shimamura said the new ADA-compliant space will help ensure “all visitors, regardless of ability, can fully enjoy the beauty of St. Vartan Park,” which was named for the nearby St. Vartan Cathedral of the Armenian Orthodox Church in America.
“By prioritizing accessibility, we create an inclusive space where everyone can connect with nature and enjoy the benefits of time outdoors for mental and physical wellbeing,” Shimamura said. “This project is an excellent example of the impact of the NYC Parks Adopt-a-Park program, which enables communities to collaborate in creating more accessible and welcoming public spaces.”
Positioned between 1st and 2nd Avenues and East 35th and East 36th Streets, the 2.76-acre park is said to be home to Murray Hill’s biggest playground. The play area, which is already wheelchair-accessible, has inclusive play elements that include sensory-friendly spaces for children with autism.
Other Manhattan elected officials who attended the weekend celebration included Congress Member Jerry Nadler, Borough President Mark Levine and Assembly Members Harvey Epstein and Alex Bores.
