Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe today joined Lower Manhattan Development Corporation President Kevin M. Rampe and Chair of Community Board 1 Madelyn Wils to celebrate the renovation of Tribeca Park. The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) allocated $715,000 to revitalize Tribeca Park.

"New Yorkers can escape the hectic pace of urban life and relax in Tribeca Park's distinguished plaza with its modern design and traditional materials," said Commissioner Benepe. "The renovation of Tribeca Park is part of our City's commitment to bringing new open spaces to Lower Manhattan and we thank Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Pataki and the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation for their vital support."

"New York City's parks are our back yards, our living rooms, and often our outdoor dining rooms," said LMDC President Rampe. "The revitalization of Tribeca Park is one of the over a dozen new and revitalized parks and green spaces in Lower Manhattan made possible under the leadership of Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg. Tribeca Park has long been a gathering place for the residents and community as a whole, and we are excited to about its new look."

Parks & Recreation has reconstructed Tribeca park, adding new bluestone and granite block pavement in a geometric circular pattern. New shrubs, including Manhattan euonymus and helleri holly, and perennials, such as Solomon's seal, purple coneflower and King Alfred daffodil, have been planted to beautify this relaxing park. The concrete pavement and curbs have been reconstructed and new lighting and benches have also been installed. The project will be further enhanced by Assembly Member Deborah Glick's recent allocation of $200,000 to reconstruct the perimeter sidewalk. Parks & Recreation's Landscape Architect Emmanuel Thingue designed the new park and Resident Engineer Andrew Aideyan oversaw the construction. Trocom Construction served as the contractor.

In 1809, the Common Council agreed to convert the intersection of Beach, Walker and Chapel (now West Broadway) to a park. The following year the City of New York bought the property from William I and Elizabeth Waldon for $3,950. Over the years the park was expanded and more trees planted. In 1985, the site became known as Tribeca Park.

The project is part of LMDC's plan to rehabilitate and create parks 13 different green spaces in downtown Manhattan. LMDC's contributions have been a critical part of the overall effort to create a dynamic array of public open spaces to serve Lower Manhattan's visitors, residents and workers. Parks & Recreation has obtained more than $37 million from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, Federal, State, and City governments, foundations and corporations to rebuild parks and create new open spaces in the downtown area.