http://www.tribecatrib.com/news/2010/august/703_race-to-finish-the-tribeca-stretch-of-hudson-river-park.html
CARL GLASSMAN / TRIBECA TRIB The pier’s minigolf course, volleyball court and lawn appear ready for use. Finish a Tribeca Stretch of Hudson River Park
CARL GLASSMAN
Just how close the Tribeca pier is to opening, with its 18-hole minigolf course, playground, volleyball court, snack bar and artificial lawn, is yet to be seen. But the hope is that the pier and the landscaped promenade south of it—basketball court, skate park and all—will be ready next month.
“Everybody is working towards that goal,” Doyle said, “but there is a reason why we’re not going to say it’s going to be open on a particular day.”
Among the work to be completed is the laying of 59,000 square feet of paving stones atop an asphalt base. The installation is weather-sensitive, so they have to be in place before the cold sets in. Rain also can delay the installation.
“We are cramming to get the pavers installed,” Doyle said. “It’s all hands on deck.”
In the meantime, the Trust has $6 million from the state and city to construct the boathouse and restaurant that are planned for Pier 26 next door. The Trust expects to award the contract for construction this fall, but doesn’t know how much, if any, will be left over to complete the landscaped promenade, from Laight Street to North Moore, until the bids come in. A planned dog run is among the features on hold.
“It was never automatic that we would have money to complete the Tribeca upland area,” Doyle said. “We had hoped to be able to do all of that before the budget crisis became so apparent; we will do as much as we can.”
The operator of the Pier 25 facilties will be chosen this month and, once the park segment opens, pier activities will continue to operate as long as weather permits, Doyle said. Manhattan Youth had operated the concessions on the former Pier 25, which closed in 2005, and the organization is among those now in the running.
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