Friends of Hudson River Park Announce Capital Campaign To Raise Funds For The Redesign of The Chelsea Waterside Play Area During The Playground Committee’s Inaugural Luncheon

NYC Council Member Corey Johnson Allocates Funding For The Estimated $1.5 Million Renovation Project From The City To Transform The Play Area; Philip & Janice Levin Foundation To Match All Remaining Donations Up To $150,000 Until March 31

February 1, 2016 (New York, NY) – The Friends of Hudson River Park Playground Committee, a first-of-its-kind group of parents working to promote and support Hudson River Park’s offerings for children, announced Friends of Hudson River Park’s capital campaign to raise crucial funds to redesign and renovate Hudson River Park’s Chelsea Waterside Play Area during its sold-out inaugural Luncheon event, which raised $167,846 for Hudson River Park, on Friday, January 29. The Park’s Chelsea Waterside Play Area is an integral recreational staple in Hudson River Park that requires renovation due to regular wear and tear from enthusiastic and rigorous play. NYC Council Member Corey Johnson has allocated $820,000 of the $1.5 million goal from the City for the project, while the Philip & Janice Levin Foundation has generously agreed to match all remaining donations up to $150,000 until March 31, 2016 for Chelsea’s beloved play area.

Hudson River Park has benefited from its supportive elected officials, some who were in attendance such as Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, State Senator Brad Hoylman and Councilmember Corey Johnson. Assemblyman Richard Gottfried has pledged $500,000 towards potential bathroom facilities for the Chelsea Waterside Play Area.

Neighborhood parents and tastemakers convened at the Luncheon to advocate and fundraise for the continued safety and beauty of the Park’s amenities for families and children. Council Member Johnson spoke about the importance of Hudson River Park and the need to perpetually evaluate and enhance the city’s playgrounds.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to invest and improve this vital community resource,” said Mr. Johnson. “The Chelsea Waterside Play Area is a remarkable gathering spot for our neighborhood families. I look forward to working with the community and Friends of Hudson River Park to make it even better. I can’t wait to see the faces of children as they play on the most updated playground equipment and enjoy their new surroundings.”

Designed to raise awareness and advocate for Friends of Hudson River Park, The Playground Committee provides a new way for families with young children to become involved with Hudson River Park. Friends of Hudson River Park is committed to fostering community participation in the redesign of the Chelsea Waterside Play Area, most recently hosting a design charrette intended to guide the vision of Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects.

“The outpouring of support for the Chelsea Waterside Play Area and The Playground Committee has been extraordinary,” said Catherine Juracich, President of the Friends of Hudson River Park Playground Committee. “We all feel strongly about preserving and beautifying Hudson River Park for downtown families and all New Yorkers to enjoy.”

“The momentum and passion for the redesign of Chelsea Waterside Play Area is outstanding and we’re pleased with the community’s involvement and collaboration to help us create what is sure to be an invaluable asset,” said Gregory Boroff, Executive Director of Friends of Hudson River Park. “I am sincerely grateful to NYC Council Member Corey Johnson, the Philip & Janice Levin Foundation and all donors who help fundraise for Hudson River Park, which receives no government funds for its operations, maintenance and programming.”

For more information on the Chelsea Waterside Play Area Capital Campaign, and to make your gift, please contact ChelseaWaterside@fohrp.org or visit hudsonriverpark.org/ChelseaWaterside.

Sotheby’s International Realty sponsored a silent auction during the Luncheon that raised $50,000 for the Park. The auction’s best-selling items included a Pier 62 Carousel Creation, a private cooking lesson with Chef Scott Conant and a private dinner event at The Little Owl. During the auction, esteemed comedian Karen Bergreen, who has appeared on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, New Joke City and Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, entertained the crowd.

Playground Sponsors include: Playgarden and CBRE. GOTHAM Magazine is the exclusive media sponsor.

Jenna Lyons is on the Playground Committee’s Honorary Host Committee. Host Committee Members include: Jasmine Barr, Jill Bouquard, Kristin Cederholm, Coral Dawson, Claudine De Niro, Kerianne Flynn, Tracy Goodwin, Emily Lange Heitner, Catherine Juracich, Julie Hackler King, Ashley Kirkham, Robin Lockwood, Sara Maggio, Alison Marsh, Elizabeth McNellis, Madelyn Mejia, Lauren Silverstein Netter, Jessica Ogilvie, Marlaine Olinick, Allison O’Neill, Kim Pillemer, Alison Porterfield, Faith Rosen, Joy Semple Sanchez-Mejorada, Blair Scheuer, Morgan Shara, Megan Sheetz, Randi Sidikaro, Erin Silvers, Paul Sohn, Robin Stein, Katie Van Pelt Stein, Jenny Vorhoff, Christine Walsdorf, Greg Wasserman and Melissa Wasserman.

About Hudson River Park

Hudson River Park, which extends from Chambers Street to 59th Street along Manhattan’s west side, is the longest riverfront park in the United States. This free, urban recreational oasis is home to award-winning skate parks, playgrounds, sports fields, gardens and nature exhibits, boating and maritime activities, art installations, and myriad year-round events that celebrate the diverse cultures and neighborhoods along its shores. The Park plays a critical role in protecting the Hudson River ecosystem, and though it receives no public operating funds from city, state or federal government, its development has transformed four miles of decaying piers and parking lots into a premier New York City destination for local residents and visitors alike. The non-profit, Friends of Hudson River Park helps to ensure ongoing sustainability by serving as the Park’s primary source of fundraising, advocacy and support, working in concert with the Hudson River Park Trust, the city-state entity that oversees the design, construction and operation of the Park. For more information, please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @HudsonRiverPark, and LIKE us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/HudsonRiverPark.

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