NEW ROCHELLE, NY — New Rochelle’s premier athletic complex Flowers (City) Park Athletic Complex has been recognized by New York State for Exceptional Park Design. The prestigious award was presented to New Rochelle’s Parks and Recreation Commissioner Bill Zimmermann and City Manager Charles B. Strome, III at the76th Annual New York State Recreation and Park Society Conference on Sunday, April 17th.
“The City of New Rochelle Parks & Recreation Department is honored to receive the inaugural Exceptional Park Design Award from the New York State Recreation and Park Society, recognizing our flagship athletic complex at Flowers (City) Park,” said Commissioner Zimmermann. “The use of the facility by thousands of athletes throughout the year is a further testament to this accomplishment.”
The Exceptional Park Design Award singles out projects that feature both facility and landscape components. Flowers (City) Park is a 22 acre athletic complex within a park-like setting, featuring three ball fields, a basketball court, playground, picnic area, the Sidney E. Frank Skate Park, Fosina Stadium and Skidelsky Field complex. It serves a diverse cross-section of youth and adult participants, including more than 25 youth/adult community-based organizations encompassing over 200 teams including New Rochelle School District Athletics, private schools, the College of New Rochelle, Iona College, Monroe College and the City’s Parks and Recreation youth/adult programs.
The park was redesigned in a large-scale, multi-phase project beginning in 2008, funded largely by a $9.8 million Legacy Grant from Westchester County. Design services were provided by Stantec Consulting. The improvements included:
sensible field configuration, permitting multiple simultaneous sports activities
improved parking and traffic flow
new synthetic turf surfaces for Fosina and Skidelsky Fields that allow for increased usage with play during or following inclement weather
improved site drainage, focusing on environmental conservation
sports athletic field lighting that expands the daily use potential
natural areas, encouraging passive recreation
splash pad water playground and basketball court areas that promote free, healthy, recreational play
For more information on the Department of Parks and Recreation visit www.newrochelleny.com/parks