St. Vartan Park, one of the largest public parks on Manhattan’s east side, hosted a ribbon-cutting and opening of an enhanced entrance and new pathway into the park’s garden on November 23, 2024. Made possible by the Soloviev Foundation in partnership with the St. Vartan Park Conservancy and NYC Parks via the Adopt-a-Park program, the garden entrance and pathway now grants ADA-compliant access to facilitate enjoyment for all.
The project was conducted through the NYC Parks Adopt-a-Park program, which allows organizations to provide support for the renovation and beautification of parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, and other amenities. The new enhancements will provide clear entry and maneuverability for disabled visitors who use wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices. The project design is a nod to the original 1930s planning and marks the completion of the fifth and final phase of the garden’s equity plan that provides publicly accessible green space for all by prioritizing inclusivity, diversity, mental health and other community needs.
“Through ongoing discussions with the community, an immediate need for the new pathway was identified, which aligns with our foundation’s values and furthers our commitment of helping make a better, more accessible world,” said Michael Hershman, CEO, Soloviev Group. “The Soloviev Foundation is honored to play a role in the opening of this entrance and new pathway to St. Vartan Park’s garden, a cherished and peaceful green space that can now be enjoyed by all.”
Bordered by First and Second Avenues and East 35th and East 36th Streets, the 2.76-acre public park is beloved by neighbors and home to Murray Hill’s biggest playground, which offers a variety of play features and activities for children of all ages. The park also offers an athletic field, sports courts, public restrooms, picnic tables, a compost drop-off and a Little Free Library. To honor New York’s Armenian-American heritage, the park is named for the nearby St. Vartan Cathedral of the Armenian Orthodox Church in America.
The Soloviev Foundation is the charitable giving arm of the Soloviev Group, dedicated to supporting the efforts of those working across humanitarian, environmental and educational causes.
