FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2024
Mayor Noble Announces Mobilization of Post Office Park Construction
KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steven T. Noble is pleased to announce that construction for the creation of Post Office Park has begun.
The City of Kingston is implementing Phase 1 of a landscape plan for the two greenspaces at Broadway, Grand Street and Prince Street, newly named Post Office Park. The construction includes sidewalks, paths, trees, shrubs, perennials, game tables, benches, bicycle racks, stone elements referencing the former Kingston Post Office, and interpretive/wayfinding signage. The contractor, OCS Industries, Inc., has mobilized equipment to the site and erected safety fencing. As part of the project, five diseased trees have been removed, with 28 trees to be planted as part of the project.
“I am pleased to get started on this exciting project to beautify the greenspaces located right in the heart of Midtown, and to add more greenery to our Broadway thoroughfare,” said Mayor Noble. “I was pleased that the public chose the name Post Office Park, which is a tribute to an architectural gem that we all miss. We hope the design concept will continue to honor the old Post Office and will be a place of comfort and commune.”
“Post Office Park is in the heart of Kingston where the three main segments of the Greenline system of trails come together and the Empire State Trail passes through.” Said Emily Flynn, Director of Health and Wellness and co-project manager. “The development of these greenspaces will create a destination for pedestrians, cyclists, and office workers to take a break and grab a coffee or a meal from the adjacent businesses.”
“OCS Industries is looking forward to collaborating with the City of Kingston on this project, and proud to be a part of the ongoing beautification of the City,” said John Dowley, VP Business Development, OCS Industries, Inc.
Construction is expected to be completed by December 2024. The project is funded by a Community Development Block Grant and American Rescue Plan Act funding.
More information and regular updated will be posted at: https://engagekingston.com/post-office-park.
The Broadway Grand Street Intersection Improvements project realigned and improved safety at a formerly dangerous intersection with funding from the NYSDOT Multi-Modal Program. Working with GPI, the engineering consultants for the Broadway Streetscape Project, the City redesigned the intersection to reduce traveler confusion, crashes, and near-misses. Pedestrians and bicyclists traveling on the Empire State Trail, use this intersection to connect to Prince Street to continue along the trail route. To accommodate the realignment, an abandoned Planet Wings building was demolished, leaving the greenspaces.
KaN Landscape Design, a women-owned, Kingston-based landscape design firm, was contracted to develop landscape design plans in August 2022. KaN has worked on many local projects including the Y Park, the YMCA playground, and the African Burial Ground. KaN partnered with the YMCA Youth Farm Project, Place Corps, and DRAW for community engagement outreach to inform the final design.
Last year, the City of Kingston put out an open call for name ideas and, of the 62 community suggestions, the Recreation Commission was asked to narrow to 10 choices. A public poll was open from October 27 to December 1, 2023. With 26% of the vote, Post Office Park was the clear favorite amongst the 10 choices.