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City Completes Overhaul of MacNeil Park Esplanade, Pols. Hold Ribbon Cutting

MacNeil Park Esplanade in College Point following $5.4 million reconstruction project (Parks Dept.)

Oct. 24, 2019 By Christian Murray

Elected official held a ceremonial ribbon cutting Thursday to mark the completion of the $5.4 million revamp of the MacNeil Park Esplanade in College Point.

The city rebuilt over a quarter mile of the esplanade, which had been battered by time and ravaged by Superstorm Sandy. The park’s seawall was in poor condition and the paths inaccessible.

The overhaul provides visitors with a new shoreline walkway. The site now features a stronger concrete retaining wall, an aluminum sea rail, a fishing overlook and a kayak launch to enhance parkgoers’ waterfront experience.

“The repairs to the MacNeil Park esplanade have restored access to the park’s waterfront and have made MacNeil Park an even more enjoyable place to visit for the families of College Point and all of Queens,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. “The funds allocated for these repairs are an important investment in College Point and in our Queens waterfront.”

The borough president’s office allocated $2.3 million toward the project, with $1.7 million from Council Member Paul Vallone and $1.3 from the Mayor’s office.

The project was about three years behind schedule–stemming from construction and cost issues.

“The long-awaited restoration of the MacNeil Park Esplanade project truly illustrates all of the natural beauty Queens has to offer,” said Assembly Member Daniel Rosenthal. “Now College Point residents of all ages will be able to take advantage of this open-air amenity that helps make our borough unique.”