A proposal to improve accessibility and infrastructure at Verdi Square on Manhattan’s Upper West Side is set to be presented to the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) on February 11. The 0.1-acre park is located on a trapezoidal traffic island bounded by West 72nd Street on the south, West 73rd Street on the north, Broadway on the west, and Amsterdam Avenue on the east. The project, designed by Cameron Engineering, has a total budget of $873,000 and was funded by the mayor’s office. The primary goals of the project include the installation of an asphalt path to create an accessible route within the square, upgrades to the water service, and the installation of a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) back flow device for improved water management.
Work will introduce a new asphalt walkway with steel edging to improve pedestrian movement within the park. The existing granite curb will be adjusted to accommodate this addition. Proposed work also includes the installation of a vandal-proof enclosure to house an RPZ back flow device and a water meter. Additionally, two quick couplers will be installed to enhance water access within the park.
Verdi Square, via Google Maps
Several existing site conditions and constraints have influenced the project’s design, including underground vaults, catch basins, existing trees and tree roots, stone benches, and the Giuseppe Verdi monument. As part of the plan, the RPZ enclosure will be screened using Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel for aesthetic integration.
Transit near Verdi Square includes the 72nd Street subway station, which is served by the 1, 2, and 3 trains.
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Remember “Needle Park”?
For the longest time I thought that was referring to Tompkins Sq Park.
Yes, and most certainly the movie “panic and Needle “ with Al Pacino
Needle Park was just south of 72nd. Sherman Square. Think there’s a shop that sells “real” dog food there now.
Yes I do Sprp ! When I saw it, I couldn’t believe the heroin addicts running amok on the UWS no less or anywhere for that matter. Sadly, now that is my daily experience in Manhattan. When the decriminalized drugs and its public use, I was like , Have you seen the Panic in needle park ? the current street climate was easily predicted.
How about some grass and trees, and benches.
A real improvement to Verdi Square would be to hire someone to clean the pigeon droppings off the benches regularly. I can never find a clean place to sit there!
that tired square is long overdue for a modernization glow up. make it so.