Park Board Approves New Cafe Plan

Private organizations have begun to survey Riverside Park, seeking to bring, among other things, trapeezes, rock climbing, and cafes to this public park space. Community Board 7 is currently reviewing several proposals for private usage of Riverside Park.
On Thursday, CB7's Parks Committee reviewed one such proposal: a request submitted by The Department of Parks and Recreation for the operation of an outdoor cafe at the Hudson Beach Volleyball Courts. Located in Riverside Park at West 105th Street, (an outdoor cafe already exists at 108th Street) the courts provide Morningside Heights with space for free sports recreation. The cafe would not infringe on space currently occupied by the courts.
Committee co-chair Barbara Adler described the proposal itself as "completely pro forma." The committee unanimously approved the proposal and most of the time spent reviewing it was dedicated to policy questions rather than the actual installation of the cafe. One issue was whether to allow smoking in the cafe in light of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed initiative to prohibit smoking in all public venues; under the proposed law, outdoor cafes would be deemed equal parts public building and open-air space. After discussing the proposal, committee members agreed that smoking should be prohibited at the facility.
"The sentiment of the committee is that we have no smoking in the cafe," Board member Doug Griebel said, "but whether or not we can actually do that [under existing laws] is a different question."
Public health codes aside, private organizations must also satisfy public opinion when annexing public space. Whether a private project succeeds in public park space depends on how community residents perceive the project's utility and benefits. Cost of facility usage also creates a large concern for residents.
Recently, an adventure equipment company called Adrenaline Heights requested a short trial period for a hot air balloon, rock climbing wall, trapeze, and trampoline in Riverside Park at 105th Street. General reaction to the plan was that the company wouldn't fit in with the park's purpose.
"That project was just far too excessive," Adler recalled. Residents were inclined to agree, referring to the proposed equipment in terms ranging from "circus" to "monstrosity."
While residents acknowledged the appeal of adventure equipment for children, the $50-per-session cost of using the equipment seemed inappropriate to the majority who expressed opinions on the matter. CB7 unanimously voted against Adrenaline Heights's proposal, even for a brief free testing period.
The outdoor cafe, by contrast, proved an appealing option for Board members and residents due to its free-of-charge seating.
"If nothing else," Griebel offered, "it's a free bathroom."
Private contractors have long provided basic services for public parks. Earlier in the evening, Margaret Bracken of the Parks Department presented plans drawn up by contractor Gus Frindt for the continuing renovation of Riverside Park's external sidewalk. The plan, which called for the resurfacing of the sidewalk, the planting of new trees, and the installation of new benches along the park wall from 79th Street to 87th Street, met with instant approval.
Bracken presented a letter from Riverside Park Administrator Casey Saw supporting the project. According to Saw, private contractors provide an efficient means of designing and funding park improvements while remaining conscious of the general public's needs.
The proposal for the cafe outside the Hudson courts will be considered by the entire Board and the general public at next month's CB7 meeting. Pending approval by the Board, Capital Investment and Design, a private contractor commissioned by the Parks Department, will be handling cafe construction and the improvement of surrounding facilities.