October 9, 2017
We’ve had an action-packed summer and early fall! Learn more about what we’ve been up to.
In mid-July Emily Walker, Director of Outreach and Programs, was on a funding workshop at the NYS ReLeaf Conference. She talked about how NY4P resources and data can help build a case for funding and investments in neighborhood open space and greening.
On July 31st Lynn Kelly spoke about how to build a park advocacy organization at the City Parks Alliance Greater & Greener Conference in the Twin Cities. Co-panelists included the National Parks Conservation Association, Park People, Park Pride, and Innovate Memphis.
On August 12th we were at DOT Summer Streets sharing our Public Realm Bill of Rights and talking with New Yorkers about why open space matters to them.
On September 5th Emily Walker participated in a Candidate Forum in District 18 in the Bronx, asking candidates for City Council about their stance on open space and environmental issues. The forum was organized by the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, and also featured representatives from the Waterfront Alliance and Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice.
Emily Walker was on the Court Square Civic Association Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting panel with Commissioner Lewandowski on September 26th at MoMA PS1. She helped answer questions about how a neighborhood facing tremendous development pressure and a lack of open space can work to find opportunities to create new open space where possible, and how to seek better maintenance and conditions in the parks they already have. Sheshared our District Profiles, Bill of Rights, and advocacy guides.
On September 29th Lucy Robson, Director of Research and Planning, presented our Civic Action Tracker data at the APA-ASLA-AIA Public Spaces, Social Movements conference. Lucy Robson presented an update of the data NY4P has been collecting on protests in public spaces as part of the Civic Action Tracker. NY4P’s data shows that civic actions take place in all five boroughs, at an average of at least one protest every 20 hours, with the most people turning out for protests about federal legislation. Lucy and the Research & Planning team will present full-year findings in 2018.
And last but not least, on October 5th we kicked off our Open Space Dialogues series, looking at new ways to value open space. Read more about it here.