2024 Edgemere Resiliency Park Proposal
Reimagining Vacant Land as Living Infrastructure
The proposed Edgemere Resiliency Park is a vision to transform a vacant lot into a dynamic community hub that celebrates our connection to Jamaica Bay while adding protection fromclimate impacts. This innovative park design combines nature-based solutions for flooding and heat with vibrant spaces for gathering, play, and education. Through features like native plantings and flexible event spaces, the park would provide essential green space in a neighborhood that has historically lacked access to parks.
As an anchor of climate adaptation in Edgemere, the park would introduce over 208,000 gallons of stormwater storage capacity through rain gardens and subsurface systems, while creating new shade and cooling features to combat extreme heat. Use the links above to learn more about the proposal and find out how to get involved.
Site History
The site of the proposed Edgemere Resiliency Park was once occupied by clusters of unweatherized bungalows as shown in the circa-1940 photo on the right. During the middle of the 20th century, many of these homes fell into physical disrepair and property tax arrears.
Between the mid-1970s and the early-1990s, the city of New York acquired these properties via tax lien foreclosures. The homes were demolished and the properties have remained vacant until the present day.
Since Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the city has engaged in various federally-funded efforts to study the potential to reuse the site of these old homes. Some of the proposed solutions have included passive recreation and possibilities for stormwater management.
Source: NYC Municipal Archives
Stay Up-to-Date!
The proposed park emerges from years of grassroots planning efforts by residents who have long advocated for solutions to flooding, extreme heat, and limited access to green space. The ReAL Edgemere Community Land Trust, founded to support community-driven development of land in Edgemere, is working to ensure this park reflects local needs while providing essential climate adaptation benefits.
The vision for Edgemere Resiliency Park has been already shaped through extensive community engagement, including design workshops, and site visits. To stay informed about upcoming engagement opportunities and construction updates, residents can click here to join the CLT's mailing list and help shape the future of resilience in Edgemere.
