Once again a smashing success by Jenifer Marcus and Bud Shalala of M’Finda Kalunga Community Garden.

Here’s the proof!

Last Monday July 11, in the M’Finda Garden and BRC, neighbors and Park goers came to hear from NY4Parks how their reporting system works and how our park was graded.

New Yorkers for Parks met with a few members of the Coalition that afternoon to discuss the condition of and get our input on Sara Roosevelt Park.

Emily Walker, Beth Bingham, Lucy Robson, and Dora Armenta met with us to talk through our ‘report card’ and explain their process.

While we heard the news that we were rated as second from the bottom of parks of our size – we were heartened by the fact that we can use this to help to change that.

They in no way disparaged the efforts of Parks staff and crew and the efforts of the many stewards who make the Gardens here flourish and the organizations and arts institutions that program here.

Without a budget line, Parks Department has little to fund projects and upkeep with.

We heard about possible better design for water fountains (to prevent mold etc.), two of our playgrounds were found to be in need of major renovation (play equipment is old and safety surfacing coming up), the renovated soccer field was not counted because it was underway when the report was created, etc.

We spoke of the need for garbage cans, bathrooms, removal of parked cars and trucks, the need for free technology centers and Wi-Fi, and resiliency centers with charging stations and green roofs and how parks might become models of sustainability….and much more.

Thanks to all who came and took time out of your busy lives to give your specific input.

Did I mention the resounding request for Big Belly Garbage Cans!!!??

And BATHROOMS!?? Open 24/7 and staffed with security???

We will post when we learn the report is published so you can see the details and learn more details of their process.

This Sunday from 12:30-2:00, Jenifer and I are releasing the 9 spotted Lady Bugs and Larvae in MK Garden, The 9 Spotted Lady Bug is the Official NY State Insect, and was thought to be extinct until Cornell University brought them back. Please come!!!!

Bud and Jenifer

Read on in  The Villager

Bedford + Bowery:

JULY 14, 2016BY LUISA ROLLENHAGEN

“Last week, the Sara D. Roosevelt Park Coalition, in cooperation with other community organizers, staged a brainstorming session and awareness-raising campaign in front of the Stanton Building… Yesterday’s meeting aimed to concretize those visions and to provide the community with the logistical tools needed to advocate for their interests.

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer (Photo: Luisa Rollenhagen)

Among those who met in the park at the BRC Senior Center were Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, representatives of City Council member Margaret Chin and State Assembly member Alice Cancel…

Webster said…the goal was to help create an “advocacy community” by letting people know how their voices could be heard in local government. “A lot of people don’t know how things actually work,” ….”

Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause New York, echoed this sentiment. “What we’re doing is giving the community tools to be included in the public conversation,” … Susan Stetzer, district manager of the Community Board 3, explained the importance of … capital priorities for the Community Board…

Wendy Brawer…. of Green Map System,…said …“A lot of us don’t know how to use tools as all. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could help each other learn these basic life skills?”

Whether a bike repair co-op, solar-powered WiFi and charging station, showering and toilet facility for the homeless, computer center, library, book exchange, meeting area, or area for board games  – everyone was excited about the possibilities here.

Jennifer Vallone of University Settlement House, Debra Jeffreys-Glass of M’Finda Kalunga Garden were the moderators and organizers. Paula Segal from 596 Acres gave a presentation on “Who owns Parks?”

This meeting is learn effective tools and information about how Parks works, where funding comes from, how to advocate for and who to advocate with, and to join forces with your neighbors, Parks, electeds, Community Board 3, and local organizations to insure this (and other resources) are used to the best possible advantage on behalf of the public and those whose neighborhood this Park lives in.

Want bathrooms? Want a community center? Show up, help, lend your smarts! We need you! 

BE the squeaky wheel (our bike friends won’t mind oiling you!).

Join us.

Stanton Building Task Force Facebook 

From CITY PARKS FOUNDATION

GOLF – AUGUST 2016

Can you believe it??

(and how do we get those bathrooms built?)

Workshops offering information, strategies, tools, discussions, snacks, neighbors – what could be better?

30 Delancey Street between Forsyth and Chrystie Streets inside Sara Roosevelt Park!

Could we reimagine this decrepit building and the container carton alongside it, with cars and trucks in the park 24/7  that now attracts traffic drive-throughs and misuse to the area, as a resiliency hub? a homeless services ‘urban hub’? local meeting space? a wild bird conservation center? indigenous plant center, youth center? with bathrooms that are maintained and serviced 24/7? 

All of these? Your ideas?

Imagine the building with those window reglazed, the doors fixed, the brick repointed, a greenroof with solar panels? with back -up chargers available for the next Superstorm? with Wi-Fi available to the neighborhood and chairs and tables and plants in front to attract positive shared use?

Sign, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese interpretation