Living Shoreline Recreational Area
On Tuesday, September 15, the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation and RISF joined Fred Landa from the New York State Department of State (NYS DOS) Division of Coastal Resources and members of Manhattan Community Board 11 and the Harlem River Park Task Force for a scoping meeting for the upcoming Randall’s Island Living Shoreline Recreational Area. This exciting new project comprises a 2.2 acre waterfront site south of the Manhattan span of the RFK Bridge and includes nearly 600 linear feet of shoreline, much of which is now collapsing stone seawall. Thanks to an Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program grant from NYS DOS, the waterfront will be reconfigured to enhance water quality, foster estuarine life, adapt to coastal forces including wave/wake energy and create conditions more proximate to natural shoreline. Following studies of existing conditions this fall, DPR and RISF will invite broad community input in re-imagining a multiple-purposed waterfront which is alive with plants and animals. A community workshop in early spring 2012 will explore alternatives for the Living Shore including amenities such as pathways, seating, a picnic area, plantings and access for water-based recreation such as fishing and boating.
