New Park Chief Building a Career in Open Spaces

New Park A Career in By Elaine Rivera Arne Abramowitz, the new Flushing Meadows-Corona Park administrator, says one of his earliest childhood memories is a visit to Central Park with his father, Max. *It was something very special," said Abramowitz, a Jackson Heights native. *There was no green space in my neighborhood, only playgrounds, but going to the park, 99 everything seemed so green.' Parks have been a major part of the 34-yearold urban landscape architect's life, and he has been able to do what few can do, combine his personal likes with a career. Abramowitz worked for the parks department for eight years, and two weeks ago was picked by Mayor Edward I. Koch to be the first administrator for the city's second largest park, the 1,255-acre Flushing Meadows-Corona. Each borough has an administrator for its entire park system, but prior to Abramowitz' appointment, Queens was the only borough that lacked an administrator to oversee its largest park. For Abramowitz, the new position is an opportunity to make changes in what he described as the "best parkland in the city.' Although he is proud of the Queens park system, he said he is always looking at ways to make it better. An immediate priority, he says, is to "move capital projects along." He plans restoration work for the Unisphere Fountain, which has been in disrepair for the past two years as has another structure, the Chief Building Open Spaces Gertrude Ederle Pool on Meadow Lake, which Abramowitz also plans to renovate. Abramowitz said he will push for new signs in the parks to help visitors. Now, park officials say, some signs are confusing and others are faded and difficult to see. Abramowitz said he also will work on cultivation and promotion of the parks cultural institutions, such as the museum, Hall of Science, Flushing Meadow Zoo, Playground for All Children and the marina. "There's a symbiotic relationship between parks and their institutions," he said. "People come to the park to enjoy the institutions and vice versa.' In the past, Abramowitz has played an important role in developing and increasing park activities. He also launched the Queens Park Guide, a newsletter that comes out every summer listing activities and events. His career with the park system began in 1978, when he was hired as the program director for the Young Adults Conservation Corps. He went on to become director of CETA training for the parks system, deputy director of the training division, and until his new appointment was director of program development for Queens. For Abramowitz' colleagues, Abramowitz is the person who can bring about what they say are much-needed changes. "He's enthusiastic and energetic, and he's got good ideas," said Queens parks manager Richard Murphy. "I'm excited to be working with him . .. it'll be a banner year for us."

Newsday

New Park Chief Building a Career in Open Spaces

New Park Chief Building a Career in Open Spaces

Newsday