Provost Park improvement project nears completion in New Hyde Park

A $65,000 project to refurbish Richard Provost Park on Nassau Boulevard and Marcus Avenue in New Hyde Park is nearing completion with repaved walkways and new tree boxes.

Work on the walkways -- using 18 tons of asphalt -- and the raised, above-ground tree boxes started in late June and was completed last week. The project's last phase will be installing new water fountains later this year.

Councilman Angelo Ferrara, who represents District 3, where the park is located, said it was in great need of repair.

"One of the things we're trying to do is make sure every park in the Town of North Hempstead is taken care of as well as the others," Ferrara said. "With the addition of the trees and the new pathway, we're really trying to upgrade" Provost Park.

Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said after visiting the site last week that she was pleased with the improvements.

"Neighborhood parks are such an important part of the fabric of a neighborhood and add so much to the quality of life," she said.

Ferrara said the town also is considering replacing old fences along the street sides of the park with the same style of "fancier" black aluminum fencing used in other town parks, and replacing old stockade fencing in the area of the park near a King Kullen supermarket and residences.

Officials said the walkway work, tree boxes and water fountain projects are expected to cost less than the $65,000 set aside in the current capital plan for the improvements.

Using town employees for the work instead of outside contractors saved money, they said.