Prospect Park

The Daily Plant : Tuesday, October 28, 2003

FRANK D'AMICO

The following is a reflection on Frank D’Amico, a former Parks & Recreation employee who recently passed away.

In October, 1980 I first met Frank D’Amico in his office at the Flushing Meadow Field Office now known as Olmsted Center.

I was newly hired by the Department of Parks & Recreation as a Landscape Architect Intern, having my degree in Landscape Architecture and no experience. In my interview with the administrators, Bronson Binger, Robert Johnert, and David Jacobson, it was decided that I was best suited to be resident engineer in Brooklyn, since I lived there. They sent me to Frank, already a 20-year veteran of Parks & Recreation.

Within days Frank had me reporting to Leif Ericson Park on 8^th Avenue and 66^th Street where we were reconstructing 10 tennis courts. I was training on the job with Tom Wonica, an architect and fellow resident engineer. Frank visited the job almost every morning. I learned more from him about the procedures of construction, concrete, asphalt, fencing, paving and landscape work in that first year than all others combined. I was flattered by all the personal attention. It wasn’t until years later that I found out that Frank lived a few blocks away from Leif Ericson Park.

More importantly, I learned to have great pride in the work which we performed. Frank told all the resident engineers to inspect the work as if it was their own. In the field he was rough and fiery, battling with contractors and his own troops when construction errors were made or when sloppy workmanship was overlooked. He was not afraid to stop an experienced contractor when his newly hired engineer found that the contractor was not following the contract.

In the 1980’s, the Parks & Recreation Capital staff was expanding rapidly and there were many new engineers. Frank always had time to explain a detail, a plan, or a report, and to critique operations in the field. Frank’s experience and dedication allowed him to train staff with Engineering and Architectural degrees and in some cases, professional licenses. In 1982 he promoted me to Assistant Borough Supervisor, long before I thought I was ready. Frank then joined the Prospect Park administration and left Brooklyn Construction.

I have 23 years with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and was on the Brooklyn Construction team for 14 of them. With Frank we renovated all of the major historic structures of Prospect Park. The first structure we renovated was the Picnic House. I was married there a few years later.

I am, to this day, in Parks & Recreation Construction. I can tell you that every working day I make use of the information, foresight, and the civil service spirit that I gained in my years with Frank D’Amico.

It was an honor and a privilege to work with him. All of us who have enjoyed Parks & Recreation over the years are indebted to his efforts.

"I find that I have painted my life – things happening

in my life – without knowing."

(1887-1986)