Verdi Square Park HistoryBertolli USA, Inc. established a permanent monument maintenance endowment fund and WBAI radio classical music announcer Harry Fleetwood (instrumental in developing early love of music by Parks Commissioner Benepe) created a Verdi Square landscape endowment in memory of his brother James H. Fleetwood. In 2004 The Metropolitan Transit Authority opened a new IRT subway station to meet the burgeoning demands of West Side residential development and the Parks Dept. totally reconstructed Verdi Square, adding plantings and seating areas. The Square’s new plaza area is home to the Verdi Square Festival, launched in 2006. In 2010 the Festival, in partnership with the Parks Dept. created floodlighting of Giuseppe Verdi’s statue, adding new life to the Square after nightfall. The installation was funded by Parmacotto S.p.A., one of Italy’s leading foods companies headquartered in Parma, Verdi’s birthplace. Parmacotto S.p.A., together with celebrity chef Cesare Casella, operate the Salumeria Rosi Parmacotto restaurant opposite Verdi Square. |