OVER THE TRACKS (119TH STREET) TENNIS COURTS IN RIVERSIDE PARK, MANHATTAN, NY

Employed by: NYC, Department of Parks & Recreation

Completed: 1999 Construction budget: $1,000,000 Area: approximately 65,000 SF

Design Goal:

Reconstruction of ten existing tennis courts, including new under drainage system, pavements, fencing and a new entry area. Coordination of engineering, construction and site details.

Design Concepts:

To make the facility fit within the fixed landscape of Riverside Park

To make the facility as close to regulation tennis courts.

Layout the courts above active Conrail/Amtrak railroad track.

Research feasibility and requirements to close Conrail/Amtrak tunnel surface vents

Constraints/Challenges:

Unknown tunnel coverage potentially affecting subdrainage

Identifying park constituents, not just the end user groups

Working with Riverside Park Administration

Site geography: topography determined need for surface and storm drainage

Include complimentary Art features.

Public submissions & reviews: submission and approval required from community board, user groups, and The NYC Arts Commission.

Solutions:

Established regular meetings for user and neighborhood input and agreement on the design and impact of the facility.

Consulting DPR institutional expertise and experienced staff. Presenting with DPR staff at public meetings.

documenting activity, use, and construction techniques.

Project management with in-house engineering and professional colleagues

Researching unique construction details, material specifications, surface finishes, construction costs.

Result:

A reconstructed facility that is well received by administration, neighborhood, and users