St. Vartan Park, one of the largest public parks on Manhattan’s east side, will host a ribbon cutting and opening of an enhanced entrance and new pathway into the park’s garden. Made possible by the Soloviev Foundation in partnership with the St. Vartan Park Conservancy and NYC Parks via the Adopt-a-Park program, the garden entrance and pathway now grants ADA-compliant access to facilitate enjoyment for all.
Held at 12pm on Saturday, November 23, 2024, the event will welcome elected officials, disability activists, NYC Parks Department leadership, representatives of the St. Vartan Park Conservancy and the Soloviev Foundation, as well as neighbors and local community members.
The new enhancements will provide clear entry and maneuverability for disabled visitors who use wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices. The project design is a nod to the original 1930’s planning and marks the completion of the fifth and final phase of the garden’s equity plan that provides publicly accessible green space for all by prioritizing inclusivity, diversity, mental health and other community needs.
The project was conducted through the NYC Parks Adopt-a-Park program, which allows organizations to provide support for the renovation and beautification of parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, and other amenities.
“Through ongoing discussions with the community, an immediate need for the new pathway was identified, which aligns with our foundation’s values and furthers our commitment of helping make a better, more accessible world,” said Michael Hershman, CEO, Soloviev Group. “The Soloviev Foundation is honored to play a role in the opening of this entrance and new pathway to St. Vartan Park’s garden, a cherished and peaceful green space that can now be enjoyed by all.”
"This new entrance and pathway are a vital step toward ensuring that all visitors, regardless of ability, can fully enjoy the beauty of St. Vartan Park,” said NYC Parks Manhattan Borough Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “By prioritizing accessibility, we create an inclusive space where everyone can connect with nature and enjoy the benefits of time outdoors for mental and physical wellbeing. This project is an excellent example of the impact of the NYC Parks Adopt-a-Park program, which enables communities to collaborate in creating more accessible and welcoming public spaces."
“The St. Vartan Park Conservancy team is thrilled that this upgrade further expands the inclusivity and equity for this glorious green oasis,” said Kevin O’Keefe, founder and president of St. Vartan Park Conservancy. “We are thankful to be part of this community, which came together to deliver a public good that can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Photos of St. Vartan Park; left photographed July 3, 1936, from the roof of a six-story First Avenue building, right photographed 1939. Courtesy of St. Vartan Park Conservancy.
Bordered by First and Second Avenues and East 35th and East 36th Streets, the 2.76-acre public park is beloved by neighbors and home to Murray Hill’s biggest playground, which offers a variety of play features and activities for children of all ages. The park also offers an athletic field, sports courts, public restrooms, picnic tables, a compost drop-off, and a Little Free Library. To honor New York's Armenian-American heritage, the park is named for the nearby St. Vartan Cathedral of the Armenian Orthodox Church in America.
The Soloviev Foundation is the charitable giving arm of the Soloviev Group, dedicated to supporting the efforts of those working across humanitarian, environmental, and educational causes. The Foundation’s gifts go to both large, long-established institutions addressing global crises and concerns, and smaller, hyperlocal organizations serving the populations in need within their communities. Recent initiatives and recipients have included Henry Street Settlement, The Hope Program, the Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement, Riverhead New York’s Family Community Life Center, and Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, among many other organizations.