Completion of the $200,000 project to stop hill erosion at Gertrude Ederle Park is expected to be completed by mid-March, said Mayor Carolyn Broullon, along with added features at the site adjacent to the Joseph Azzolina Bridge on Route 36 to enhance the park.
Work began to stop the erosion which has been undermining the hill on the Bay ave. side Dec. 2. Broullon said, the construction included new drainage, gutters and shoring up of the slope itself. DC Landscaping Construction, the firm doing the project, has also replaced a tree in the park and also replaced the chain link fence with a brick wall. The wall will have a safety feature installed at the top. Additionally, the firm replaced the asphalt walk with concrete.
“This was a needed project to preserve the integrity of the hill as well as to continue to provide an outstanding park dedicated to Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel,” the mayor said.” Gertrude learned to swim in the river just below the hill and benches in the park overlook the exact area where she first went into the Shrewsbury River and battled the strong currents under the bridge. Gertrude always loved Highlands and came back for many years to share her memories of the swim. Ms. Ederle was here for the park’s dedication on Aug. 14, 1975.”
My Grandfather Emiel Aufieri, (owner of Emiels Tavern on Bay Ave) used to swim in the summer by the bridge. One day a young lady was also swimming. He said, “I don’t think you should be swimming here-it is too dangerous. The young lady, Getrude Ederle said- I am training to swim the English Channel and the current here under the bridge most repllicates the currents in the Channel.
Also, our family belonged to Sandlass Beach Club-and Gerturde “Trudy” gave us our swim medals.
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