Councilman David G. Greenfield is inviting local residents to become inaugural members of a new neighborhood organization called “Friends of 18th Avenue Park” that he is launching this Wednesday to help protect the community’s investment in this popular and important neighborhood recreation space, which is also known as Gravesend Park. Members would meet bimonthly to discuss ways to continue improving Gravesend Park, which is located on 18th Avenue at 56th Street, and prevent illegal activities and after-hours use. The neighborhood alliance would also be responsible for locking the gate each night to help deter vandalism and suspicious behavior at the park, which serves as the main recreation option for hundreds of families and residents in the southern portion of Boro Park and the northern section of Bensonhurst. In addition, the group would serve as a sounding board for the community that would provide Councilman Greenfield with valuable input and suggestions and alert him of any issues as they arise.

Greenfield decided to launch this new group after meeting with community leaders in response to complaints from nearby residents about some issues at the park they would like addressed including late-night noise and activity.

Since taking office, Councilman Greenfield has secured millions of dollars to improve Gravesend Park, including funding for new playgrounds and basketball and racquetball courts. In all, Greenfield has secured nearly $15 million in city funding over the past three years to improve and renovate parks throughout Boro Park, Midwood and Bensonhurst and to create new public playgrounds, including $3.68 million in the recently-passed Fiscal Year 2014 city budget. He has made ensuring access to parks a top priority due to the large number of families in his district and the sharp growth in the local youth population over the past decade. To continue this great progress, he is now asking community members to join the “Friends of 18th Avenue Park” to build on the recent successes and in light of the future upgrades that are in the planning stages.

“I have funded improvements in every single park in my district since taking office that will benefit families for years to come. I know that many community members share my passion for parks and my concern that the public’s investment in our local recreation areas is not ruined by illegal activity. That’s why I am forming the ‘Friends of 18th Avenue Park’ and asking residents to step up and get involved in their community,” said Councilman Greenfield.

Any resident who is interested in joining the “Friends of 18th Avenue Park” should contact Councilman Greenfield at (718) 853-2704 or [email protected]. The group’s first meeting is scheduled for this Wednesday, August 14 at 7 p.m. at the park’s 18th Avenue entrance. In the case of rain, the meeting will take place at Councilman Greenfield’s district office, 4424 16th Avenue (corner of 45th Street).

“Neighborhood parks are a vital aspect of any great community, and by working together we can make Gravesend Park one of the finest in New York City. I will continue to fight for the funding and renovations needed to keep our parks clean, safe and welcoming for families and children. I look forward to having some of my neighbors join me in this important effort by becoming members of the ‘Friends of 18th Avenue Park’ community alliance,” added Councilman Greenfield.

(YWN Desk – NYC)