McCarren Park visitors have new pathways to enjoy

June 10, 2013 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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Visitors to McCarren Park in Greenpoint can enjoy it even more than they did before, thanks to a renovation of the recreation area done by the parks Department with funds obtained from the city budget by Councilman Stephen Levin.

Levin (D-Williamsburg-Greenpoint), who recently announced the completion of the months-long project to refurbish the park’s pathways, said he supplied the funds to address the terrible condition of the walkways. Residents who frequently visited McCarren told Levin that the pathways were a major flaw in North Brooklyn’s most heavily used park.

In addition to the paths being repaved, the project includes landscaping of additional green space, the planting of 68 switch grass plants and the installation of 39 new World’s Fair style benches.

Levin celebrated the completion of the project by setting up a mobile office near the Bedford Avenue entrance of the park on a recent Sunday.

“For too long, the pathways of McCarren Park were notorious for being potholed, broken, and uneven. They were a hazard to children and seniors, and an eyesore for the rest of the users of the park,” Levin said.

“The completion of this project comes at a perfect time, as the summer is upon us and the park will begin to see exponential use. Thank you to the Parks Department, Open Space Alliance, and Friends of McCarren Park for their work in completing this project,” the councilman said.

“Parks is thrilled to reopen the pathways in McCarren Park, just in time for the summer season,” said Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey. “We are thankful for Council Member Levin’s support of this integral project,” he said.

“The long neglected pathways of McCarren have gotten a much needed facelift,” said Christine Murray, a member of the group Friends of McCarren Park. “I think it is one of few changes in North Brooklyn that everyone – hipster or old school – can wholeheartedly embrace,” she said.