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 May 14, 2005 |
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The RIOC Column 
Tennis anyone? Roosevelt Island may be a long way from Wimbledon, England, but beginning June 15, there will be no doubt that the new tennis courts being provided by the Octagon project will be state-of-the-art, tournament caliber, and ready for play. Right now, finishing touches are being put into place on these six championship-quality courts. Becker and Becker Associates has graciously offered an upgrade to top-of-the-line Plexicushion Prestige courts from Plexipave Sports Surfacing Systems. The Plexicushion System, according to its literature, combines consistent bounce, sure footing, and outstanding durability of Plexipave, a proprietary invention. Plexipave is designed for shock-absorbing cushioning to go easy on a player's knees. The result, according to the company, is a sure-footed surface that dynamically responds to body impact and reduces fatigue on the player's legs, ankles, and feet. The multi-layered resiliency lengthens the orthopedic life of players of all ages, from juniors who are just beginning to play competitively to seniors who enjoy a few sets in their golden years. There will be several other enhancements to the tennis courts this year. Low mass lighting, a message center, vending station, and new proximity cards will all enhance the players' experience using the courts. Finally, on a completely different note, I'd like to single out Public Safety for kudos for a rapid response in rescuing a person late last month who had fallen onto the seawall and was in danger of being swept into the East River. Shortly before 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, a person was spotted injured on the rocks, nearest to 200 Main Street. Public Safety Officers Beman, Dentone, Sgt. Jones, and Deputy Director Bryan all responded to the scene along with two Health and Hospitals Corporation officers. Bryan jumped down to the victim and helped lift him to safety. He was treated for cuts and bruises at Goldwater Hospital, where he is a patient. Also alerted were the NYPD and FDNY, who also responded to the scene. FDNY Engines 116 and 260 arrived before the extra manpower was cancelled. In all, let's give a thanks to our Bravest, our Finest and the personnel of our Public Safety Department for demonstrating a highest level of professionalism in this incident. All the right moves were made. We thank them all.
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