Tomato, Spearmint And Sunflowers Take Root In Petrosino Park

Changes continue to grace Petrosino Square Park, the little park that could (and does). Having only recently received a dramatic landscaping effort which showcased multiple sunflowers (see below), the park has now provided the neighborhood with a tomato plant and a spearmint bush.

The tomato plant isn't doing to well, but it's trying so hard and is in a relatively secure spot of the park, away from pedestrians and park users. It has no trestle or support however, and is growing horizontally on the ground. The birds are going to love it.

Petrosino Park Water Fountain Redux: For Drinking Only

As Park Department Manager Ralph Musolino and Council Member Margaret Chin's office recently informed NYC The Blog, and I excitedly reported, Petrosino Park is receiving a water fountain.

Unfortunately, workers on site last week confirmed that only a drinking water fountain is being installed,  not a decorative or play fountain as I wrongly assumed.

Sadly, there will be no full body relief from the heat, in a fountain approximating Washington Square's. But hey, a drinking fountain is better than nothing! Below, see said fountain in place, all wrapped up like a prisoner in Guantanamo.

Petrosino Park Water Fountain Coming Soon

There has been a lot or work going on at Petrosino Park as of late, with improvements appearing everyday; manicured landscaping, stone walls, new fencing and stone walks. But the best is yet to come, a water fountain in the southeast corner!

In an email to NYC The Blog last week, Ralph Musolino, Park Department Manager in Manhattan District 1&2, informed the plumbing has been installed, and the area was filled with cement. A working water fountain will be installed shortly.

Who knew this little corner, recently derelict, could handle so much awesomness?

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Dramatic Changes To The Appearance Of Petrosino Park

After watching constant incremental interruptions at Petrosino Park since it opened last fall turn into large scale disruptions and major unexplained renovations this month, NYC The Blog called Council Member Margaret Chin and the Parks Department on Monday to get the 411.

The information provided by Chin's office, along with photos showing the disrepair and initial improvements, were posted here this past Tuesday.

Fast forward to yesterday, and things have changed dramatically.

Petrosino Park Undergoing Large Scale Improvements

Little Italy's Petrosino Park appears to be falling into disrepair, going to pot even.

After much fanfare when it  re-opened in October—the triangular shaped park doubled its previous space and was a welcome addition to the neighborhood—the little park that could has been beset by constant closures and repairs on one side or another. Or as is the case now, on all three sides!

I've heard from a reliable source the work happening now is necessary to correct problems with the original contractor. I have not confirmed this. 

With so much repair taking place at the park now, NYC The Blog phoned Council Member Margaret Chin's office yesterday and spoke with staff member Patricia Owen to get the 411.

Sneak Peek at Newly Opened Petrosino Square Park

What are these two smiling about? By happenstance, Dan Barasch (in glasses) and his friend Willie were the first two citizens to experience the renovated Petrosino Square Park last night after workers began to remove the fence. These two are not the only ones pleased to see the new park though.  When the park reconstruction was announced in June, Streetsblog reported:

Interestingly, the loudest round of applause from the crowd of local residents, many elderly Italian citizens, appeared to come during [Council Member] Alan Gerson's remarks regarding freeing up useless road space on Lafayette St. for community use.

It was 9pm last night when people were busy watering the greenery, sweeping the borders, and putting the finishing touches on the park while the fence came down, in preparation for it's ribbon cutting ceremony this morning at 11am.  Eight bike racks were installed along the NE corner of the park on Cleveland Pl. 

A life long resident of the neighborhood who was born on the NW corner of Spring and Cleveland PL tells me that Petrosino Sq used to be a Milk House, (like this one at Tompkins Sq) "a little house where my mother would send me to buy milk for two cents."

More photos on the Flick, and info on Petrosino Square at NYC.Gov

Lieutenant Petrosino Square Nearing Completion

In a triangle of land between Kenmare, Lafayette, and Cleveland Place, NYC Parks Department has been expanding and reconstructing the area into a new park. Lots of progress has been made as of late, and the park looks to be near completion.

This small park is at a crossroads of several dynamic New York neighborhoods: Little Italy and the Bowery to the east, Chinatown to the south, and SoHo to the west and north. The site/area became parkland as a result of the City Charter of 1938, which turned over all public places and squares to the Department of Parks.

The site was formerly known as Kenmare Square, for the street that runs east to Delancey.

More here.