If all goes according to schedule, the long-awaited Southpoint Park improvements are scheduled to begin in Summer 2020. Plans for improving the shorelines along the east and west of Southpoint Park first began all the way back in 2005, when The Trust for Public Land finalized a master plan for developing the long-vacant site at the southern end of Roosevelt Island. That plan led not only to the ultimate creation of Southpoint Park, but to FDR Four Freedoms State Park as well in 2012.
In April 2017, the Community Plan for Southpoint Open Space Park was prepared for RIOC by Fitzgerald and Halliday. The plan was formed after an intense effort to get as much public input as possible. This included asking people for their opinions at public events as well as visioning sessions where facilitators were able to listen to specific ideas in greater detail from Roosevelt Island residents. The sessions concluded that three things were important to Roosevelt Islanders about the project.
- It must provide access to the shoreline and create comfortable spaces from which to enjoy scenic views.
- It must maintain a natural setting that encourages wildlife.
- It must celebrate Southpoint’s natural topography and incorporate hills into the overall park design.
We believe that our plan, which is undergoing a variety of approvals including an extensive review by the Army Corps of Engineers, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), the New York City Department of Small Business Services and a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will surpass the wishes expressed by our residents and shareholders.
We have not just heard you. We have incorporated your wishes into our design from the very beginning. We will create an environment that is not only safe for the wildlife that call Roosevelt Island their home, but for everyone.
Please take a look for yourself by viewing the latest presentation given to the RIOC Board of Directors. http://rioc.ny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2899/Southpoint-Open-Space-Park-Community-Presentation