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| | | Promote community gardening citywide and nationally so that it is recognized as an essential aspect of open-space planning and revitalization. Make community gardens equivalent in stature and importance to parks. Position community gardens as village greens and vibrant centers of community life, urban agriculture and environmental education.
Design, develop and link NYRP’s community gardens into clusters as a means of creating model, sustainable neighborhoods that provide corridors of green, increase the urban tree canopy and improve the quality of city life. Develop a plan for community garden expansion – including the renovation of the organization’s existing inventory of gardens and strategic acquisition of new properties, especially sites within our current operational areas.
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| Develop and program each community garden as a mini park for the surrounding neighborhood – deepening and expanding the organization’s commitment to our gardens throughout all five boroughs. Restore and program a minimum of three and a maximum of five existing community gardens annually as funding is secured; complete the first 55 gardens in seven years. Work with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development to transfer urban renewal spaces to NYRP for the purpose of developing new community gardens – creating a growing open-space network, citywide. Establish urban agriculture in NYRP’s community gardens. Develop a core education and in-service program in NYRP’s community gardens – expanding the number of active community gardeners and introducing environmental education and community programs to local residents and families. Advance and support public policy that protects New York City’s community gardens, as well as expands resources that support the gardens and those who work in and enjoy them.
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