Emily Lloyd, the administrator of Prospect Park and the president of the Prospect Park Alliance, has posted the following letter on the park’s website concerning storm damage and how you can help:
Dear Friend of Prospect Park,
All of us at the Prospect Park Alliance hope that you have come through Hurricane Sandy without serious harm. We are aware that some of you may still be without power, that downed trees, street signs, and debris are still to be cleaned up in almost all neighborhoods, and that most – including a number of our own staff – are still stranded without reliable transportation. We extend our sympathies to any of you who have suffered damage, and wish you a quick recovery.
With a storm the size of Hurricane Sandy, it was inevitable that Prospect Park would sustain some damage, and I’m sad to report that the damage is widespread and significant. Hundreds of trees have been destroyed or severely damaged, paths and roads are blocked, light poles, signs and fencing have been knocked over, and Prospect Park Lake was blown over its banks on the southeast side.
PLEASE NOTE THAT PROSPECT PARK, AND ALL CITY PARKS, ARE STILL CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
In Prospect Park, work is already underway clearing dangerous trees, exposed wires, hanging limbs and other obstructions and debris. Once this has been done, we will have a chance to undertake a thorough assessment of all damage and costs of repair, and to frame a plan for the long term work that will be required to restore the Park.
The Parks Department is shouldering an important portion of the work needed to respond to this emergency. In addition, Senator Chuck Schumer has called on FEMA to expedite distribution of emergency funds, and we anticipate that Parks will receive FEMA assistance.
Nonetheless, much of the remaining cleanup, repair and replanting will be outside the purview of FEMA and will fall to the Alliance.
FOR THAT REASON, WE WILL DEDICATE THE FUNDS RAISED AT OUR NOVEMBER 3rd WALK-A-THON TO STORM DAMAGE REPAIR.
Please help by signing up to run or walk, encouraging your friends and neighbors who love and use Prospect Park to do the same, and/or sponsoring someone else who is running or walking.
Register for the Walkathon or Support a Walker
You can also help by volunteering. We plan to focus volunteer efforts on storm related cleanup and repair over the next several weeks, and will begin as soon as possible AFTER THE PARK RE-OPENS. More details will be available soon.
We know how much you love and rely on your Park. Please also know that the Alliance and the Parks Department are working hard so that Prospect Park can be re-opened as quickly as possible. We hope to see you there soon, but in the meantime, please stay safe!
Best regards,
Emily