(NYC Parks Department)
Dec. 30, 2019 By Kristen Torres
The Alley Pond Environmental Center will be getting a new $26 million dollar building to replace its current center at Alley Pond Park.
Construction of the new center—which will replace the organization’s current facility at 228-06 Northern Boulevard—is slated to begin early next year and to be completed by the fall of 2021, according to NYC Parks Spokesperson Meghan Lalor.
The organization will be moving into a temporary home in Oakland Gardens—at 224-75 76th Avenue—while construction takes place.
The temporary location will open on Jan. 2, with a grand opening party to be held on Jan. 11.
The new APEC building will feature a rainwater collection system, more skylights and a geothermal heating system. It will be larger than the center’s current building–which is going to be demolished– providing more space for classes and special events.
APEC—which was established in 1972—is located in Alley Pond Park and is surrounded by wetlands and nature trails. The non-profit organization is dedicated to educating guests about the importance of wetlands and the preservation of Alley Pond Park.
The park consists of 635 acres of forest, meadows, ponds and fresh and saltwater marshes. It’s also home to more than 300 species of birds and other wildlife.
Alley Pond Environmental Center in Alley Pond Park (Photo: via Wikimedia Commons)
