June 27, 2018 By Nathaly Pesantez

City officials gathered at the Long Island City’s waterfront this morning to celebrate the opening of Hunters Point South Park Phase II.

The new portion of the park, which opened to the public on June 21, spans 5.5 acres from 54th Avenue around Newtown Creek, bringing the park up to a total of 11 acres.

The expansion cost $100 million to build out, and took three years to construct. Phase II focuses more on nature and the environment than the first portion of the park, taking on a feel of a quiet, urban oasis. The new park includes pedestrian and bicycle pathways, a public art piece and playground, wooden seating areas, and wetlands.

“Every New Yorker has the right to access world-class parks and public spaces. With new parks like Hunters Point South, Bush Terminal, and Bushwick Inlet Park we’re making sure that as our neighborhoods grow, our public spaces grow along with them,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio in a statement.

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchel J. Silver, noted that the park has come a long way, given what the Long Island City area once looked like.

“Thanks to NYCEDC, the park is complete and ready for a busy summer. In addition to kayaking and the wonderful LIC Landing, park-goers can now also enjoy improved walkways, adult fitness equipment, picnic terraces, and of course, those breathtaking views.”

With the waterfront park all built out, the remainder of the Hunters Point South residential development is next. Developers are expected to break ground on two additional buildings along the waterfront in 2019, with construction on another set of towers near the Oval set to begin this month.

The entire Hunters Point South development, when complete, will span 30 acres and hold up to 5,000 residential units.