“A burst of nature and outdoor calm in an urban setting.” That’s how one writer described community gardens. Here at the West 87th Street Garden, we find exactly that. This space is more than just a garden. It is a testament to community spirit.
The West 87th Street Garden has paths, plantings, benches. It also has donated playground equipment. It is a place for relaxation and connection.
Let’s step back to 1997. Informal meetings of Community Board 7 took place. Tom Yager, a founding member, recalls those meetings. Representatives from the Parks Department attended. They sought city-owned sites. These sites would become community gardens.
The West 87th Street Garden emerged from this initiative. It transformed a vacant space. It became a vibrant green oasis. Now, it is open to the public all day. It welcomes everyone seven days a week.
Upper West Side community gardens arose after New York City’s financial crisis in the 1970s. Many vacant lots became eyesores. Residents organized. They cleaned up garbage. They started planting informally.
In 1978, GreenThumb was established. This urban gardening program supports community gardens. NYC Parks created it. This was a response to the city’s financial crisis. Public and private land had been abandoned.
Today, dedicated neighborhood volunteers maintain the gardens. They are committed to their upkeep. They take pride in their special spaces. Many Upper West Side community gardens are recognized by the Parks Department as GreenThumb gardens.
Council Member Mark Levine spoke about the community garden movement. He represents the 7th District. He noted that neighborhoods like Manhattan Valley suffered from neglect and abandonment in the 1970s. Housing stock deteriorated. Buildings had to be demolished. The community garden movement turned that tragedy into something beautiful and positive. The gardens are places for communities to come together. These shared open spaces are critical pillars of the park system.
The West 87th Street Garden exemplifies this transformation. It offers a place for reflection and connection. The garden provides a tranquil escape. It is a place to sit outdoors chatting with neighbors.
The West 87th Street Garden shows how communities can create beauty. It also highlights how they can create connection. What was once a vacant lot is now a thriving garden. It enriches the lives of those who visit. The garden is a testament to the power of community action.