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New
York State Parks Announces $2.8 Million Robert
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Frederick
Smith Center for the Performing Arts
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at Denny Farrell
Riverbank State Park
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Albany,
NY – October 2018 / Newsmaker Alert / The New
York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State
Parks) announces that a $2.8 million public-private project to upgrade
and revitalize the Cultural Performance Center at the Denny
Farrell Riverbank State Park in Harlem has begun. The performance space
will be renamed the Robert Frederick Smith Center for the Performing Arts
in recognition of businessman and philanthropist Robert Frederick Smith’s
$1 million donation.
“Riverbank
enriches the lives of Harlem community members in so many ways – and a
big reason why is the range of experience opened to them by the cultural
performance center,” said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. “I am grateful
to Governor Cuomo and our partners for their work to improve and modernize
one of the state park system’s most unique places. Their commitment to
celebrating art and culture in West Harlem is an inspiration.”
“Music
and artistic expression have a unique power to unite families and communities,”
said Robert F. Smith. “Few places embody that more than Harlem. I’m humbled
by the opportunity to contribute to a center where people of all ages can
come together in appreciation of the arts. By bringing together leaders
in the public and private sectors for this effort, we are ensuring West
Harlem’s rich culture and heritage can take center stage.”
The
cultural performance center serves as one of Riverbank’s most popular and
outstanding features—hosting scores of social, educational, and performance-related
activities and events each year. From ballet, jazz and orchestra performances
to classes, summer camp activities and community programs, the facility
welcomes more than 60,000 people a year.
Smith’s
generous gift will help revitalize a center that had become run down and
unable to fully accommodate a full range of activities and events. The
project will elevate production values and bring added vitality to the
center by:
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replacing
outdated house lighting and inadequate sound equipment;
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installing
new theatrical lighting;
-
modifying
the stage area;
-
replacing
25-year-old bleacher seating; and
-
replacing
the 25-year-old flooring.
Smith’s
gift is the largest contribution to a capital campaign launched by the
Open Space Institute in partnership with the New York City Regional Parks
Commission and the Natural Heritage Trust, which has raised nearly $2.8
million in public and private grants and donations. Other major support
has come from the Waletzky State Parks Fund at OSI, the Durst Organization,
the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and The Rockefeller Foundation. Public support
comes from Governor Cuomo’s NY Parks 2020 program and grants from the late
Assemblyman Denny Farrell, for whom the park was renamed last year, as
well as Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer and New York City Councilman
Mark Levine.
“Robert
Smith’s generous gift will have tremendous benefits to the people of West
Harlem and all who use the cultural center to socialize, celebrate, enjoy
performances and experience the arts,” said Kim Elliman, OSI president
and CEO. “We thank him and all the donors and supporters who have joined
us in making the revitalization of this popular Harlem community centerpiece
a reality.”
“Robert
F. Smith’s exceptionally generous gift will transform a functional, drab
auditorium to a glorious performing arts and community space,” said Lucy
Rockefeller Waletzky, chair of the New York State Council of Parks. “State
parks are community anchors, serving as recreational, cultural and natural
mainstays. Nowhere is that more evident than here at Denny Farrell Riverbank
State Park. I am grateful to all who stepped forward to support this project,
and am confident that this new cultural center will be a lively hub of
music, dance, laughter, joy and community activity for generations to come.”
NYS
Assemblymember Al Taylor said, “I would like to thank Governor Cuomo and
because of Robert Frederick Smith’s generous contribution, the stage is
set for success- literally!!”
New
York City Councilmember Mark Levine said, “For decades, Riverbank State
Park has been an invaluable resource for countless members of our Manhattan
community. I applaud the tremendous generosity of Robert Smith and the
commitment of all the partners involved to ensure that the center’s revitalizations
continue to provide amazing recreational and performance opportunities.”
“We
are thrilled with the generous support from Robert Smith as well as the
efforts of other private and public partners to revitalize one of Riverbank’s
exceptional features,” said Alexander Durst of The Durst Organization.
“The modernized upgrades to the cultural center will ensure that the park
and West Harlem community continue to be a focal point for programming
and performance events for years to come.”
“The
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has always believed that technology can improve
the quality of life for all,” said Senior Vice President of the foundation,
Leisle Lin. “It was a great pleasure to provide funding for the much-needed
technological improvements for the Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park,
so that the New York City community can continue to enjoy all the park
has to offer.”
Denny
Farrell Riverbank State Park has served as West Harlem’s recreational and
cultural hub for almost 25 years. The park welcomes more than 3 million
people each year, ranking it among the most visited state parks in New
York State. It serves as a community resource for an area that was once
cut off from the Hudson River. Providing a four-season recreational resource
for a community that has been traditionally underserved, Denny Farrell
Riverbank State Park is a pillar of the West Harlem community.
Smith’s
donation is consistent with his commitment to preserving culture and support
of the arts. Mr. Smith is the largest individual donor to the National
Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC, Chairman
of Carnegie Hall’s Board of Trustees and has made significant donations
to notable landmarks such as the Apollo Theater in Harlem, and Lincoln
Hills in Colorado.
Under
Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York State is making a historic commitment
to improving and expanding access to outdoor recreation. The Governor’s
NY
Parks 2020 program is a multi-year commitment to revitalize the state
park system. The 2018-19 State Budget allocates $90 million toward this
initiative.
The
New
York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees
more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses,
boat launches and more, which are visited by 71 million people annually.
A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in
park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs and over $2.8
billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation
areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit
www.parks.ny.gov,
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