No Decision on Shade Canopies on Pier C Park

City Council did not approve the request to pay $40,000 for the necessary shade canopies that will prevent metal play equipment on Pier C Park from getting too hot and sent the issue back to the parks committee for further review.

The architects of the project, Michael van Valkenburgh and Mark Pattin, presented the shade canopies to the council, promising a 20 year guarantee on the structures. But, City Council said it does not want to pay for the structures with money from a fund that was set up for Pier A and Pier C Parks, because they say it's a flaw in the design. 

"It's common sense they're going to be hot out in the sun," said Second Ward Councilwoman Beth Mason about the metal equipment in the park. 

"You designed the park," said Third Ward Councilman Michael Russo, "and you didn't take into account there needed to be more shade there."

Trees have been planted around the equipment that, over time, will provide the shade that is necessary to keep the equipment from getting too hot. In the short term, though, shade structures are necessary for a large dome and part of a slide. 

Mayor Dawn Zimmer tested out the equipment herself during a visit to the Pier on Tuesday late afternoon, with local children, council members and members of the press. 

Besides the over heated equipment, the main issue is the shortage of railing alongside the park's walkway. It's unclear when the necessary parts to finish the railing will come in from overseas. But that's an issue that needs to be worked out with contractor EIC Associates. 

The contract that was drafted with EIC did not include a liquidated damages clause, which means that the contractor cannot be fined for missing deadlines. Without that clause, the City has little leverage or power to help speed up the process, nor can it fine the contractor. In an interview in April, Zimmer said, "my hands are tied."

Although the Administration optimistically predicted July 1 to be the opening date, the park will not be open by then and opening could be postponed by two or three more months. Part of the railing on the walkway to the Pier is still missing. It's unclear when the railing will arrive.   

Councilman-at-Large David Mello referred to a recent Daily News article, about a park in Brooklyn Van Valkenburgh is involved in, where some children burnt themselves on very similar play equipment.

"This concerns me tremendously," said Mello.

The discussion was brought back to the parks subcommittee, and representatives from the architecture firm will have to come back to answer the council's questions again.