2024 Edgemere Resiliency Park Proposal
Final Proposed Design
The proposed Edgemere Resiliency Park would transform a vacant lot into a thriving community hub hub designed to mitigate the effects of climate change. The park's design addresses multiple community needs, combining nature-based solutions for flooding with spaces for gathering, play, and education. Through features like its elevated outlook point and native plantings the proposed park would strengthen Edgemere's relationship with Jamaica Bay while introducing new recreational opportunities.
The ReAL Edgemere Community Land Trust initially developed the design for Edgemere Resiliency Park in partnership with the Garden by the Bay as a submission to EPA’s Community Change Grant Program in 2024.
Stormwater Management
The proposed Edgemere Resiliency Park would integrate multiple layers of stormwater management to protect the community from flooding while improving water quality in Jamaica Bay. The park is designed to store over 208,000 gallons of water through a combination of surface and subsurface features. Rain gardens and bioretention areas would provide over 33,000 gallons of storage while naturally filtering pollutants, and a 175,000-gallon underground detention system would capture additional runoff during major storms. Permeable surfaces throughout the park allow water to slowly infiltrate, while elevated areas provide dry pathways during wet weather.
Flexible Plaza Area
At the heart of the proposed Edgemere Resiliency Park, a flexible plaza space serves multiple community needs throughout the year. The plaza area would be designed to accommodate gatherings, markets, and cultural events. This versatile space creates opportunities for community celebration while providing essential cooling through both shade and water features during hot summer days. The plaza's adaptable design ensures it can respond to changing community needs and seasonal activities.
Garden Walk and Eco-Lawn
The Garden Walk and Eco-Lawn form a vital element of the proposed Edgemere Resiliency Park's climate adaptation strategy, thoughtfully designed to provide a naturally cooled respite from urban heat while celebrating the community's connection to Jamaica Bay's rich ecosystem. Winding through native plantings and rain gardens, a shaded pathway creates comfortable outdoor spaces even during the hottest summer days. The walk is lined with locally-adapted plants that attract pollinators and provide food and shelter for birds along the Atlantic Flyway, while integrated rain gardens capture and filter stormwater. The lawn would feature mixed meadow species that offer greater ecological benefits than conventional turf, and an interactive water feature that can be activated during heat waves. As the carefully selected trees mature, they will create expanding zones of natural cooling, transforming what was once a vacant lot into a vibrant community space that demonstrates how nature-based solutions can help Edgemere adapt to climate change.
