“From coastal resiliency and sustainable green practices to the preservation of affordable housing, world-class public art, and vibrant, year-round programming in award-winning public spaces, Battery Park City leads the way in many of the measures that makes cities livable."
BPC Parks Happenings is a monthly “snapshot” of the Authority’s work in maintaining Battery Park City’s parks and public spaces. Scroll down to see what’s on tap for May!
– I Love My Park Day: On Saturday May 6, 11AM, all are welcome to participate in a BioBlitz using the free iNaturalist app. Meet at the Rockefeller Park House to learn about the vast diversity of wildlife that call Battery Park City home. Read more here.
– Sign of the Times: For the next two weeks look for Arbor Day tree tags across our parks, highlighting the benefits of the wide variety of tree species that call Battery Park City home.
– Power Up: For the third straight year, BPCA will also be participating in the New York Power Authority’s Tree Power Program, which provides a one-to-one match for tree plantings at customer locations to increase native biodiversity and natural carbon storage.
– Water Features…: The decorative fountains in front of the Museum of Jewish Heritage will be turned on, joining the water feature at Teardrop Park’s Ice Wall and Teardrop Park South water fountains.
– …And Water Play: As the weather gets warmer, the team will be ready to turn on the water play features throughout BPC – at Rockefeller Park, West Thames, Kowsky Plaza, and Teardrop Park playgrounds, as well as at The Real World.
– Parks Upkeep: Regular maintenance of parks irrigation lines continues, with turf care and overseeding scheduled this month on the popular Rector Park East and Teardrop Park lawns.
– Murray Street Spruce Up: We’re also full steam ahead on placing new plant orders and redesigning the lawn space at Murray Street Triangle.
– Spotted Lanternfly Management: Our Parks Operations team is once again placing traps on trees to help reduce the Spotted Lanternfly population this year. Read more about this process here.
– Ramping Up: The duck ramp has been installed for the summer and fall months at the Lily Pond, ensuring safe access and egress for our seasonal feathered friends.
– Permeable Pavers Pilot: We’ve completed our second installation area along the South Esplanade and are beginning a third installation on the pathway along Rockefeller Park’s North lawn. Read more about this pilot program here.
– Hanging Around: A local favorite, South End Avenue’s hanging flower baskets will be installed this month to provide a full season of blooms through autumn. You’ll see our team out there three times a week watering them during the season.
– Tree Care: You’ll also see BPCA’s tree contractor regularly working and maintaining various trees throughout Battery Park City. On Tuesday, May 9, this work will include pruning for tree health and public safety around the North End Avenue Dog Run. To facilitate this effort the run will be closed from roughly 8:30AM-2PM.
– Dog Waste Compost: The Authority will be receiving be receiving a new, dedicated dog waste composter this month. Capable of handling up to 100 lbs. of waste per day, the new composter will allow BPCA to streamline its expanding dog waste compost program process and produce a quality product quicker.
– Longer Days, Longer Hours: The Irish Hunger Memorial and Teardrop Park’s public restrooms are now open until 9PM daily through the spring and summer seasons.
– Zero Waste: As a decades-long leader in sustainability, BPCA is striving to divert 90% of what is sent to landfill! To continue helping toward our Zero Waste goal, we ask that you rethink what you throw away in the parks, and please recycle or compost items.