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Upgrades planned at New York City state parks An infusion of state money will soon mean improved services and amenities for state parks in New York City. The state has committed more than $70 million in funding for 88 park revitalization projects across the state. CSEA was a strong proponent of the funding, part of this year’s state budget. For state parks in New York City, that will mean playgrounds will be rehabilitated, ice and roller rinks will be repaired and baseball fields will be improved. At Roberto Clemente State Park, the money will be used to make improvements in its baseball fields as well as reconstruction of its upper plaza. A new monument to Clemente, the legendary Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder and Hall of Famer, will be moved to the main entrance once that work is completed. “It’s a great honor to have that new statue here and to keep this park clean and safe for the public,” said Angel Cortijo, a general mechanic. Danny Cruz, a maintenance worker, would frequently visit and spend long days at Clemente in its pool and fields as a child. “It’s a great working environment,” Cruz said. “I never would have thought that someday I’d be working here.” Maintenance supervisor David Lucas has been working at the park nearly from its initial opening in 1973, when it was known as Harlem River Park. The park was Danny Cruz trims plants and trees near the playground at Roberto Clemente State Park. renamed after Clemente in 1974. “This was one of the first state parks in the city,” said Lucas. “It’s the mother of all the others.” Part of the community Riverbank State Park in Manhattan is also slated to receive money for infrastructure improvements, including the cultural building and ice rink. Within view of the George Washington Bridge, Juan Jose Suero, a maintenance worker, was busy pruning and clearing branches from the grounds. “I work here like it’s my home garden,” said Suero. “It makes me feel really happy and I enjoy the tranquility and fresh air.” The park has also been undergoing a change in street lamp lighting, as the state recently invested about $50,000 for LED lighting. (For more on parks energy initatives, see pages 8 and 9.) “It’s going to save a lot of energy,” said Jerome Dantzler, an electrician. “It’s also making a lot more people come to the park. The lights make it look fancy.” Motioning across the expansive outdoor track, in the direction of dozens of buildings that house hundreds of families, maintenance supervisor Benny Paniagua expressed the importance of the park to the community. “This is their backyard,” said Paniagua. “They love it here and celebrate birthdays and other occasions here. They feel safe.” — David Galarza Ramon Grimotes creates foul lines on baseball fields at Roberto Juan Jose Suero trims trees at Riverbank State Park. Clemente State Park. June 2015 The Work Force 7


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