Williams Avenue Community Garden (Shaw Block)

Williams Avenue Community Garden officially reopened in the spring of 2019. The garden provides a respite from the mostly industrial neighborhood that surrounds it and has frequent neighborhood events that include food, dancing, and all-around fun. The garden was completely rebuilt through the Vital Brooklyn initiative to include 10 raised garden beds, a composting toilet, a tool shed, and a compost bin. There is a gathering and recreation area with a grill, seating, space for exercise classes, a performance stage, and an elegant shade structure that provides cover from rain. A laser cut metal fence, featuring stylized images of Brooklyn’s pre-colonial landscape, serves as the stage backdrop.

New York Restoration Project thanks Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, former State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, New York City Council Member Rafael L Espinal Jr., the Department of Transportation, Trey Whitfield School, community members, and the East Brooklyn Business Improvement District.

“The garden serves many important values to my community, especially in the industrial park,” says garden member Kelebohile Nkhereanye. “It is great to take a break to be present and watch butterflies. What keeps me coming is my faith to see young people in the garden to become regular participants. I want them to learn about local food, see beautiful flowers, and appreciate the garden’s inclusivity.”