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Central Park Conservancy, proposed reconstruction of the playground at East 85th Street and Fifth Avenue in Central Park.
WHEREAS, The Central Park Conservancy has filed an application for the reconstruction of the East 85th Street Playground in Central Park (also known as Ancient Playground); and
WHEREAS, The East 85th Street Playground occupies a footprint of approximately 36,000 square feet and is entered through a single gate located at the eastern perimeter on Fifth Avenue; and
WHEREAS, The existing playground has gone largely unimproved since its last reconstruction in 1972, and the Central Park Conservancy seeks to:
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Enhance the playground design by renovating existing play structures and adding new equipment;
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Make the playground more responsive to contemporary users;
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Reconfigure and architecturally restore the playground's comfort station;
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Upgrade the playground to bring it within compliance of current ADA standards; and
WHEREAS, The Central Park Conservancy will utilize materials in the reconstruction that are sensitive to the history and the original design of the playground; and
WHEREAS, Part of this proposed reconstruction calls for the restoration and reinstallation of the ornamental Osborn Gates, (commissioned in the 1950's and completed by Paul Manship) for which approval is not sought at this time; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends approval of the application for the proposed reconstruction with the understanding that the specific plan for the Osborn Gates and the signage for the playground will be reviewed by the Board at a future time.
The above resolution passed with a vote of 37 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention.