Carlos Lillo Memorial Park Is Dedicated

Photos Walter Karling (L. to r.): Stephen Harding, Pat Bahnken, Uniformed EMTs & Paramedics president, Richard Khuzami, Community Board 1 Parks Committee chairperson, Alexandra Rosa, Office of the Queens Borough President Chief of Staff, state Senator George Onorato, City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr., Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe listen as Assemblymember Michael Gianaris speaks at the dedication of Carlos Lillo Park October 2.

Assemblymember Michael Gianaris (DAstoria), city Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe and the family of Carlos Lillo gathered at 1 p.m. on October 2, 2008 to officially open Carlos Lillo Memorial Park in Astoria. Joining them at the ceremonial opening were representatives of the FDNY and EMS services, Queens elected officials, civic leaders, and children from nearby P.S. 2. Lillo, a New York City paramedic from Astoria, died on Sept. 11, 2001, while responding to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

Carlos Lillo Park, which will be open daily until 9 p.m., sits directly across from P.S. 2 at 76th Street and 21st Avenue, and is located on land that was a neighborhood eyesore for decades, having served as a graffiti-riddled construction storage area. Gianaris obtained state funding for the acquisition and development of the park and worked tirelessly to see the park through from idea to completion. "Carlos Lillo was a credit to our community through his hard work as a paramedic long before September 11, 2001," Gianaris said. "It is fitting to recognize the achievements and sacrifice of this local hero by building this park in his name. This park will improve the environment, and enhance the quality of life in our community. The children at P.S. 2 and the entire neighborhood will benefit from a public green space that will serve as a tribute to a wonderful man."

(L. to r.): Shani White, park designer, city Department of Parks & Recreation Assistant Commissioner of Community Relations Edward J. Lewis, Haydee (Cecilia) Lillo, Assemblymember Michael Gianaris, Ilia Rodriquez, mother of Carlos Lillo, and Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe look on as Park Designer Steve Whitesell describes the features of Carlos Lillo Park.

"Carlos Lillo made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the City of New York on September 11 and we are proud to name this new park in his honor," Benepe said. "I want to thank the Lillo family for joining us today as we commemorate one of Astoria's heroes. I'd also like to thank Mayor Bloomberg, Queens Borough President Marshall and Assemblymember Gianaris for generously funding this memorial." Marshall provided approximately $200,000 in funding for the green space and renovation.

The creation of Carlos Lillo Park is part of Gianaris' Revitalize Astoria campaign. Other revitalization projects made possible through funding acquired by Gianaris include graffiti removal and park beautification, as well as the installation of antique street lights on Steinway Street, 30th Avenue and Broadway, which have brought more shoppers and jobs into the community.