Plus year-round farmers market announced!
Throughout 2022 McGolrick Park was a maze of bright orange netted barriers to prevent travelers from treading on paths under renovation. As an occasional visitor to this park I found joy in the detours and felt anticipation for the completion of the improvements: new asphalt pathways, new benches, reviving the grass and horticulture, improving drainage, upgrading the irrigation system with new ground hydrants, plus additional upgrades throughout the space. This project was allotted $2.17M in capital funding and finished six months ahead of schedule.
More improvements followed the capital project’s completion. The historic colonnade was repaired and the pavilion repainted. Benches also received new paint jobs, and fencing was installed. NYC Council Member Lincoln Restler worked with NYC Parks and the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance to fund new rodent-resistant trash receptacles, a gardener for the park, increased extermination services, and new picnic tables. In addition, funding went to support the newly formed Friends of McGolrick Park and cultural events like Films on the Green.
“With these upgrades to McGolrick Park, we’re giving Brooklynites a renewed experience of this beloved neighborhood space. Enhanced pathways lead to moments of relaxation, new seating invites swapping stories amongst friends and family members, and a reseeded lawn allows creativity to flourish,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “These improvements are a testament to how much we can accomplish for our local greenspaces when city agencies and elected officials join forces with park partners and engaged volunteers.”
NYC Parks leadership, elected officials, and community members gathered on November 13 to celebrate the McGolrick Park upgrades. Also it was announced that McGolrick’s Sunday farmers market (managed by Down to Earth) will become a year-round market. Funds from Restler’s office will support snow removal during the winter season. This market has been at McGolrick Park since 2012, and would close during the winter to reopen in March. January 7, 2024 marks its first year of a year-round schedule. It is open Sundays from 9:00 a.m.– 2:00 a.m. (NOTE: December 17 is the last farmer’s market for 2023, the market will reopen on January 7, 2024)
“McGolrick Park is Greenpoint’s town square. When I entered office, neighbors were concerned about deteriorating conditions in our beloved park — but that has all changed due to great partnerships with NYC Parks, North Brooklyn Parks Alliance, and Assembly Member Emily Gallagher and the revitalization of the Friends of McGolrick Park group,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler. “ … McGolrick [is] looking better than ever! And I am thrilled we were able to persuade the awesome Down to Earth Greenmarket to operate year-round!”
The Greenline 