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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 256-11
July 17, 2011

MAYOR BLOOMBERG DISCUSSES STEPS THE CITY IS TAKING TO INCREASE AND IMPROVE WATERFRONT RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES IN WEEKLY RADIO ADDRESS

The following is the text of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's weekly radio address as prepared for delivery on 1010 WINS News Radio for Sunday, July 17, 2011

"Good Morning.  This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

"On this summer Sunday morning, a lot of New Yorkers are probably thinking about catching some sun, catching some cool breezes or maybe even catching a big wave on a surfboard off Rockaway Beach. Our waterfront parks and open spaces also offer great places to ride a bike, fly a kite, or take a front row seat for a spectacular sunset. And in line with our vision of creating an increasingly active and vibrant waterfront, this summer we're making even more of the city's 520 miles of shoreline available and attractive for recreation and relaxation.

"Last Thursday, for example, we opened up the first stretch of a new two-mile long esplanade that will run along Manhattan's East River shore from the Battery to just north of the Manhattan Bridge. If you're visiting Lower Manhattan and want to take a cool breather from shopping or sight-seeing - or if you live or work Downtown and you've got time for an outdoor break - head over to the East River between Wall Street and Maiden Lane. You can enjoy lunch on a stool overlooking the river, or stretch out with a book on a lounge chair. There's a dog park and splash pad for canine cooling-off, too. And the East River Waterfront Esplanade is just one of 14 new walkways we're developing along shorelines from Red Hook to the South Bronx.

"On the other side of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park continues to take shape too.  This summer, volleyball games are underway in three new regulation-sized sandpit courts on Pier 6, near Atlantic Avenue, where new outdoor food stands are open as well. And all summer long, the park offers exercise classes, instruction in star-gazing, outdoor concerts and movies, and a host of other free activities. 

"Pier 6 - and the Battery Maritime Building in Manhattan - are also the jumping off points for what's become one of our city's hottest summer weekend attractions: Governors Island. A short, free ferry ride takes you to the heart of New York Harbor - to an island offering unbeatable views of the skyline, as well as biking trails, walkways, picnic grounds, and miniature golf. This summer there's also a wonderful exhibit of works - many that haven't been on display in our city for decades - by one of the world's foremost sculptors:  New York's own Mark di Suvero. No wonder that Governors Island has had more than 200,000 visitors since Memorial Day weekend.

"Wherever you are or whatever your interest, our waterfront open spaces, new and old, have something for you. So take a stroll on Staten Island's South Beach boardwalk. Or play a round of tennis on the riverfront courts at Astoria Park in Queens. Or have a cookout at the new Mill Pond Park on the Harlem River shore of the Bronx. It's summer in New York - the perfect time to enjoy all our city's fantastic, and growing, waterfront recreation opportunities.

"This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg. Have a great day. And thanks for listening."







MEDIA CONTACT:


Stu Loeser   (212) 788-2958



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