Yankee Stadium Rec Area Costs Out of the Park

(Zell's Pinstripe Blog)

People were opposed to the construction of a new stadium because it had a bad impact on the neighborhood. Many people believe that the city is underestimating the amount of work that needs to be done in the surrounding areas around the ballpark. With the construction of the New Yankee Stadium, the cost of restoring the 22 acres of parkland around the new ballpark has gone through the roof. It went up 67 percent to $195 million. Additions to the project have driven costs up by $78.6 million.

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Eight smaller parks will replace Macombs Dam Park and a portion of John Mullaly Park, which were demolished to make way for the new stadium and parking garages. The facilities will cover 32 acres and include a 400-meter track with a soccer field and stands, five ball fields, 16 tennis courts, four basketball courts, eight handball courts, a skateboard park, an ice rink and a recreational center.

The parks were initially expected to be completed by December 2010, but construction delays at almost every facility means they will not likely open before the fall of 2011.

Even if there are no further delays, Ms. Hogi believes irrevocable damage has already been done. “The kids that played in these parks will be adults and parents by the time we get the replacements,” she said.

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