Post Office Park work begins
KINGSTON, N.Y. >> Construction has begun to turn a vacant Midtown parcel where the former U.S. Post Office was located into a park, according to Mayor Steve Noble.
Kingston is implementing Phase 1 of a landscape plan for the two greenspaces, newly named Post Office Park, at Broadway, Grand and Prince streets, the mayor’s office said in an announcement.
The construction includes sidewalks, paths, trees, shrubs, perennials, game tables, benches, bicycle racks, stone elements referencing the former old U.S. Post Office, and interpretive/wayfinding signage, the announcement said.
The contractor, OCS Industries, Inc., has mobilized equipment to the site and erected safety fencing.
As part of the project, five diseased trees have been removed, with 28 trees to be planted as part of the project.
“I am pleased to get started on this exciting project to beautify the greenspaces located right in the heart of Midtown, and to add more greenery to our Broadway thoroughfare,” Noble said in a statement. “I was pleased that the public chose the name Post Office Park, which is a tribute to an architectural gem that we all miss. We hope the design concept will continue to honor the old Post Office and will be a place of comfort and commune.”
Emily Flynn, director of Health and Wellness and co-project manager, said the endeavor is meaningful.
“Post Office Park is in the heart of Kingston where the three main segments of the Greenline system of trails come together and the Empire State Trail passes through,” Flynn said in a statement. “The development of these greenspaces will create a destination for pedestrians, cyclists, and office workers to take a break and grab a coffee or a meal from the adjacent businesses.”
John Dowley, vice president of business development for OCS Industries, Inc., said the contractor is keen on the
park’s development.
“OCS Industries is looking forward to collaborating with the City of Kingston on this project, and proud to be a part of the ongoing beautification of the city,” said Dowley.
Construction is expected to be completed by December.
The project is funded by a Community Development Block Grant and American Rescue Plan Act funding. The construction total is $743,389.04
KaN Landscape Design, a women-owned, Kingston-based landscape design firm, was contracted to develop landscape design plans in August 2022. KaN has worked on many local projects including the Y Park, the YMCA playground, and the African Burial Ground.
Last year, Kingston put out an open call for name ideas and, of the 62 community suggestions, the Recreation Commission was asked to narrow to 10 choices. A public poll was open from Oct. 27 to Dec. 1. With 26% of the vote, Post Office Park was the clear favorite amongst the 10 choices.
Post Office Park reflects the fact that the property was once the site of the former Kingston Post Office. The post office was built from 1904 to 1908 and stood at the site until being demolished in 1969 and 1970, an action that drew the scorn of historical preservationists and many city residents. A Jack-in-theBox fast-food restaurant was built on the site soon after, and the building later was occupied by an ice cream shop before Planet Wings opened in 1996.