Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Thursday, August 12, 1999

Release #311-99

Contact: Sunny Mindel/ Edward Skyler (212) 788-2958


MAYOR GIULIANI DEDICATES STEPHEN PERRY GROVE ON RANDALLS ISLAND

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today dedicated a picnic area on Randalls Island in honor of the late Stephen Perry. Stephen Perry was the Chairman of the New York City Sports Commission who died of stomach cancer in October of 1994 at the age of 35. Joining the Mayor at the ceremony were his widow, Mary Perry, Sports Commissioner Kenneth J. Podziba, Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern, and the Chairman of the Randalls Island Sports Foundation, Richard J. Davis.

"Stephen Perry was a marvelous human being and a great sports fan," Mayor Giuliani said. "I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to him than this beautiful grove on Randalls Island, where people from every borough gather to play soccer, practice their golf swings and jog. His memory will surely endure through the seasons at this scenic tribute."

Mayor Giuliani appointed Stephen Perry as the Chairman of the New York City Sports Commission in 1994 but he was only able to serve for a few months before he passed away. A passionate soccer fan, Stephen regularly played with his semi-professional team at the fields adjacent to the grove that will now bear his name. Stephen is survived by his wife, Mary, who is now a member of the Sports Commission, and his two daughters, Liana and Victoria.

Randalls and Wards Island Park is located in the East River at the intersection of the Triborough Bridge, between East Harlem, the South Bronx and Astoria, Queens. Originally home to farms and light industry, Robert Moses connected the two islands with landfill in an effort to develop them into one park.

Randalls Island now offers ballfields, cross-country trails and a golf driving range. A $200 million master plan unveiled by the Foundation last year envisions a marina, restored ballfields, bicycle paths, a water park, a field house and new Fesitval and Concert Grounds. The Foundation seeks to encourage both public and private investment in the park; earlier this year, the New York City Economic Development Corporation issued a Request for Expressions of Interest to develop the Festival Grounds.

www.ci.nyc.ny.us


Go to Press Releases | Giuliani Archives | Mayor's Office | NYC.gov Home Page
Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Statement | Site Map