We recently redesigned our website and want to hear from you! If your community group works to support or care for neighborhood parks, please join this growing list of NYC park groups! Please email your website, mission statement, parks or region that your group supports, and contact information to PartnershipsForParks@parks.nyc.gov.
There are thousands of active community groups working year-round to care for their neighborhood parks. Many of them coordinate monthly volunteer projects, plan free events and celebrations, or advocate for resources to help their parks thrive! Scroll through the list below to find groups working to support parks in your community!
City Wide Groups
buildOn: buildOn is a non-profit organization that empowers primarily urban U.S. high school students through in-class and intensive after-school programs. In addition to tremendous contributions of community service in their own cities and neighborhoods, buildOn youth actually build schools in developing countries around the world.
CityArts: CityArts empowers youth by bringing them together with professional artists to create public art that addresses civic and social issues, impacts lives, and transforms their communities. For more information, call (212) 966-0377.
This is not a complete list. Please contact us at PartnershipsForParks@parks.nyc.gov to learn about specific groups near you.
Bronx Groups
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum: Steward of the last remaining ‘great country estate’ in Pelham Bay Park, the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum’s mission is to create a vibrant site through the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of the property and grounds for the benefit of the public throughout the New York City metro region and beyond.
Bronx Coalition for Parks and Green Spaces : The Bronx Coalition for Parks and Green Spaces is a coalition of over 30 organizations whose primary objectives are to preserve community gardens and green spaces and to increase opportunities for recreation in the parks. They host the Annual Bronx Parks Speak Up event to address specific needs within the community.
Bronx River Alliance: The Bronx River Alliance is dedicated to improving, restoring, and protecting the Bronx River so that it can be a healthy ecological, recreational, educational, and economic resource for the communities through which the river flows. For more information, contact bronxriver.info@parks.nyc.gov.
Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation: The Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation’s mission is to improve Bronx neighborhoods by providing community run housing that is safe, sound, and affordable. Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation owns or manages over 90 properties in the Northwest Bronx and provides housing to over 2,600 Bronx families. For more information, call (718) 367-3200.
Friends of Brook Park: Friends of Brook Park provides a variety of community programming and environmental education opportunities in Brook Park and the surrounding neighborhood of Mott Haven. For more information call (646) 648-4362.
Friends of Ferry Point: Friends of Ferry Point’s mission is to restore, preserve, and improve all of Ferry Point Park by participating in and communicating with other volunteer groups and by gathering and guiding volunteers in maintenance, cleanups, and tree stewardships, and other environmental issues. For more information, contact dpoggi@ferrypointpark.org.
Friends of Van Cortlandt Park: Friends of Van Cortlandt Park is committed to supporting the conservation and improvement of Van Cortlandt Park by providing essential services such as offering ongoing high-quality education and stewardship programs, working to identify community needs and empowering residents by giving them a means to improve park conditions.
Friends of the Woods: Friends of the Woods is a grassroots community organization dedicated to preserving the history and exposing the beauty within University Woods. Located in the University Heights section of the Bronx, they provide programming that empowers, educates, enriches and entertains the community.
Moshulu Preservation Corporation: Moshulu Preservation Corporation is a multidirectional force for preservation and pride in the northwest Bronx committed to the improvement of Norwood and surrounding areas, community involvement, security, and clean, welcoming parks. For more information, contact mpc@mpcbronx.org.
NYBG/Bronx Green Up: NYBG/Bronx Green Up is the community outreach program of The New York Botanical Garden which provides horticultural advice, technical assistance, and training to community gardens, school groups, and other organizations interested in improving urban neighborhoods in the Bronx through greening projects.
Rocking the Boat: Rocking the Boat is an organization that uses traditional wooden boatbuilding and on-water education to help young people develop into empowered and responsible adults. For more information, contact info@rockingtheboat.org.
This is not a complete list. Please contact us at PartnershipsForParks@parks.nyc.gov to learn about specific groups near you.
Brooklyn Groups
Brooklyn Greenway Initiative: Brooklyn Greenway Initiative is a non-profit organization responsible for conceiving, planning, and coordinating the development of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway. Their goal is to make Brooklyn’s waterfront an environmentally-conscious destination for commuters, exercisers, and all Brooklynites. For more information, call (718)522-0193 or email bmccormick@brooklyngreenway.org.
BrooklynShade: BrooklynShade is committed to increasing the New York City tree canopy and improving the health and longevity of existing city trees through community outreach, education, and service. The development and protection of a functioning tree canopy will increase the quality of life for city residents through health benefits, beauty, and energy conservation for our communities.
CAMBA: Camba is a non-profit agency that provides services that connect people with opportunities to enhance their quality of life. They assist New Yorkers that face daily hurdles such as chronic homelessness, HIV/AIDS, language barriers, domestic violence, necessary job skills, and more. CAMBA strives to respond to community needs by creating individualized service-oriented programming. For more information, call (718)287-2600.
The Cobble Hill Association: The Cobble Hill Association is an organization dedicated to the beautification of the Cobble Hill area and promoting awareness of environmental issues.
Cooper Bark: Cooper Bark is a volunteer group whose mission is to maintain and improve the Cooper Park Dog Run by organizing cleanups and other projects that include providing furniture, improvements to the fence, community parties and barbeques. For more information, call (347)613-1849 or email info@cooperbark.org.
Dancing in the Streets: Dancing in the Streets strives to illuminate the urban experience with free public performances and site-specific installations that examine the kinetic life and history of natural and architectural public spaces. Its productions explore the intersection of the arts and the city, strengthen community life through active engagement with the arts, diversify audiences, and serve as catalysts for the celebration of urban life. For more information, call (212) 625-3505.
Dance Theatre Etcetera: Dance Theatre Etcetera is premised on the belief that arts are an effective vehicle for social transformation and strives to unite artists and community members as co-creators in dynamic cultural activities. Through site-specific performances, festivals, parades, and performing arts and media education, Dance Theatre Etcetera stimulates the social imagination through acts of informed expression. For more information, call (718) 643–6790.
Fort Greene Park Conservancy: Fort Greene Park Conservancy is dedicated to the maintenance of Fort Greene Park, and the preservation of its historic significance through the restoration of the park’s green spaces and historic structures. By working with the many diverse users of the park their primary goal is to provide a rewarding experience. For more information, call (718)222-1461 or email info@fortgreenepark.org.
Friends of Carroll Park: Friends of Carroll Park is an all-volunteer group who donate time and effort to make its park and neighborhood a better place. For more information, contact friendsofcarrollpark@yahoo.com or follow us on Twitter .
Friends of Douglass/Greene Park: Friends of Douglass/Greene Park seek to work with the surrounding communities and organizations to revitalize Thomas Greene Park and to support ecological, recreational, and educational venues as to increase the park’s attractiveness as a destination while respecting the character of the surrounding areas. For more information, contact info@friendsofdouglassgreenepark.org.
Friends of Kaiser Park: Friends of Kaiser Park is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of community involvement in Kaiser Park. They achieve this goal by hosting numerous events and festivals throughout the year. For more information, call (917) 873-9261 or email FriendsOfKaiserPark@aol.com.
Friends of Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr. Park: The FNNHJP (Wycoff Street between Hoyt and Bond Streets) are committed to the maintenance, clean-up and protection of Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr. Park . It works to cultivate a safe, secure and fun place for children to enjoy, and to educate them through gardening, educational, cultural and sports programs . It also works on year-round activities for everyone. For more information, contact: (718) 243-1252 (and/or) (917) 535-0485 or beejay919@yahoo.com (and/or) hspirit13@aol.com.
The George Walker Jr. Community Coalition, Inc: The George Walker Jr. Community Coalition, Inc is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate, empower, and encourage residents of East New York and Cypress Hills by providing diverse opportunities that inspire them to lead dynamic lives. GWJrCC provides educational, cultural, recreational, artistic counseling and professional development services, programs, and events at the George Walker Jr. Park and at various facilities throughout the community. For more information, call (718)484-1999 or email info@gwjrcc.org.
Gerritson Beach Cares: Gerritson Beach Cares is a not-for-profit charitable organization, primarily conducting its operations in the peninsula known as Gerritsen Beach. The objective of the organization is to promote a clean environment to safely recreate and socialize. For more information, call (917) 869-1291 or email info@gbcares.org.
Gowanus Canal Conservancy: Gowanus Canal Conservancy is an independent environmental nonprofit organization whose mission is to be a steward for the preservation, restoration, and green development of the Gowanus Canal and its environs for the greater good of the community. For more information call (718) 541-4378 or email info@gowanuscanalconservancy.org.
Lentol Garden: Lentol Garden is a volunteer-driven urban garden that aims to cultivate community while emphasizing sustainability. For more information, contact lentolgarden@gmail.com.
The Narrows Botanical Gardens: The Narrows Botanical Gardens is four and a half acres of lush parkland transformed through the artistic vision of neighbors and the dedication of a community’s volunteers. They aim to design and maintain hillsides, groves, gardens, and pathways that provide the residents of Bay Ridge with a place to enjoy the many realms of the natural. For more information call (718) 836-1754.
The North Brooklyn Compost Project: The North Brooklyn Compost Project is a volunteer-run project that manages a “compost pile” in McCarren Park. It was founded in 2004, and today helps more than 300 members reduce waste and improve soil. Its compost fuels backyards, container gardens, street trees, park lands and food gardens. For more information contact: northbrooklyncompost@gmail.com.
The Old Stone House: The Old Stone House is a community resource that explores the American Revolution, colonial life, and Brooklyn. Through exhibits, programs and events they preserve the House’s rich past while contributing to Brooklyn’s contemporary cultural community. For more information, call (718)768-3195 or email info@thelodstonehouse.org.
Open Space Alliance: The Open Space Alliance, fondly known as OSA, helps to green North Brooklyn parks in Community Board 1, including McCarren, McGolrick, Cooper, Sternberg (Lindsay), and many more. OSA is improving our existing parks and helping to develop new parks in Williamsburg and Greenpoint. We accomplish this by raising funds, linking community volunteers, and working in partnership with the New York City Parks Department and our elected representatives. For more information, contact info@OpenSpaceAllianceNB.org.
The Red Hook Boaters: Red Hook Boaters (Valentino Pier off Coffey Street) provide free kayaking to the community and work to help clean and maintain the water front.
Red Hook Community Justice Center: Red Hook Community Justice Center was established as the nation’s first multi-jurisdictional community court and seeks to solve neighborhood problems like drugs, crime, domestic violence and landlord-tenant disputes through a coordinated, comprehensive approach that includes mediation, community service projects, and a Youth Court. They seek to engage the community in aggressive crime prevention, solving problems before they come to court. For more information call (212)397-3050 or email info@courtinnovation.org.
The Waterfront Museum and Showboat Barge: The Waterfront Museum and Showboat Barge strives to foster an understanding of the New York Harbor as a waterway carrying commerce and commuters as well as a means for culture and recreation by providing waterfront access and promoting historic preservation. For more information call (718)624-4719 or email dsharps@waterfrontmuseum.org.
The World Education Endeavor: The World Education Endeavor is dedicated to expanding educational opportunities available to children and adults by bringing together mentors, students, artists and professionals in an effort to bridge gaps in the education system and expand learning opportunities across cultural, social, and economic boundaries. For more information call (914)787-0789 or email Info@theWEE.org.
This is not a complete list. Please contact us at PartnershipsForParks@parks.nyc.gov to learn about specific groups near you.
Manhattan Groups
Alliance for Downtown New York: The mission of the Alliance for Downtown New York is to provide Lower Manhattan’s historic financial district with a premier physical and economic environment by advocating for businesses and property owners and promoting the area as a world class destination for companies, workers, residents, and visitors. They manage the Downtown-Lower Manhattan Business Improvement District, serving an area roughly from City Hall to the Battery, from the East River to West Street. For more information, call (212) 566-6700.
Broadway Mall Association: The Broadway Mall Association cares for the landscaped median malls along Broadway from 70th to 168th streets- 10.5 acres of city parkland. It also works in partnership with community residents, other non-profit organizations and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to beautify, light and maintain the malls of Broadway, one of New York City’s oldest and most traveled thoroughfare from Columbus Circle through Harlem to Washington Heights. For more information, contact us at (212) 491-6470 broadwaymallassociation@gmail.com .
Carl Schurz Park Conservancy: The Carl Schurz Park Conservancy is the oldest community based volunteer park association in the City of New York and has become the citizen caretaker of Carl Schurz Park.
The Central Park Skate Patrol: The Central Park Skate Patrol in New York City was the first chapter of the International Inline Skating Association’s (IISA) National Skate Patrol. They are a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that operates from April through October and give an average of 5,000 braking lessons a year at their free Stopping Clinics.
Community Hooked on East River Park (CHERP): CHERP is a group of volunteers engaged in fostering awareness and participation in our neighborhood backyard - East River Park! Its goal is to promote a safe, clean, beautiful, green waterfront park for everyone to enjoy. For more information, contact: (212) 477-4022 or info@cherpnyc.org.
Corlears Cares: The goals of Corlears Cares, a Parents Association initiative, is to create a continuous dialogue of the meaning of community service and foster of a sense of social responsibility in our young students, ultimately leading to action. The Parents Association has worked with the administration, staff, and faculty, to create a comprehensive program of community service events and activities. For more information, call (212)741-2800 or email office@corlearsschool.org.
East River Community Recreation and Education on the Water (C.R.E.W.): East River C.R.E.W’s Davit is located at E. 96th Street on the East River Esplanade. It is a nonprofit organization that promotes the stewardship of the East River waterways through educational and recreational activities. It works by engaging the community in on-going waterfront activities and aims to impart a love for and an understanding of the East River and its communities, preserving the river for generations to come. For more information, contact (212) 427-3956.
Fort Tyron Dog Owners Group: Fort Tyron Dog Owner’s Group is a volunteer group dedicated to the maintenance and care of the Sir Williams Dog Run. They realize the importance and need for exercise and socialization in the daily lives of dogs and owners and strive to keep the run functioning to serve those needs in the Upper Manhattan community. For more information, contact info@ftdog.org.
Friends of Bleecker Playground: The Friends of Bleecker Playground is a community based organization dedicated to improving Bleeker Playground and the adjoining plaza area. Their mission is to create and maintain a cleaner, greener, safer, and more beautiful recreation space for the children of the neighborhood and to organize family oriented activities that promote community in the neighborhood. For more information, contact bleeckerpark@aol.com.
Friends of Columbus Park: Friends of Columbus Park’s mission is to ensure that the park is safe, clean, and presentable, that all facilities and structures are maintained and functional, and to ensure that the park serves the general public and surrounding community regardless of race, politics, religion, or beliefs. The group provides programs and events for kids, teenagers, seniors, and community. For more information, call (917)414-3440 or email focp@focpny.org.
Friends of Dag Hammarskjold Plaza: Friends of Dag Hammarskjold Plaza is a nonprofit community organization whose mission is the beautification, preservation, and vitality of Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, the historic “Gateway to the United Nations” and home to the Katherine Hepburn Garden, the largest public garden on the east side of midtown Manhattan. Their activities include keeping this municipal park clean and green and organizing events to foster community. For more information, call (212) 826-8980.
Friends of Columbus Park: Friends of Columbus Park’s mission is to ensure that the park is safe, clean, and presentable, that all facilities and structures are maintained and functional, and to ensure that the park serves the general public and surrounding community regardless of race, politics, religion, or beliefs. The group provides programs and events for kids, teenagers, seniors, and community. For more information, call (917)414-3440 or email focp@focpny.org.
Friends of Duane Park: The mission of the Friends of Duane Park is to restore and maintain Duane Park and educate the community about the historic significance of the park. Members organized major restoration of the park, enlarging planting beds and installing new benches, fencing, historic lamps, and endeavor to maintain the park as a place for community engagement and special events. For more information, call (212)227-5843 or email info@duanepark.org.
Friends of First Run: Friends of First Run is dedicated to the beautification and maintenance of the Tompkins Square Dog Run through volunteer efforts for the continued enjoyment of dogs and their owners. They work in conjunction with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to ensure the support of the largest off-leash dog park in New York City. For more information, contact volunteers@dogster.org.
Friends of the High School for Environmental Studies: Friends of the High School for Environmental Studies is committed to providing environmental programs and private resources to support the students and faculty of the High School for Environmental Studies in order to help students become leaders in the conservation movement and environmental stewards in their own neighborhood. For more information, call (212) 262-8113 ext 432 or contact nrhodes@friendsofhses.org.
Friends of Gulick Park: The Friends of Gulick Park’s mission is to reclaim Luther Gulick Park and provide a greener, livelier, safer recreation area for community members and visitors. They work towards this goal by organizing special events, fundraising, and actively collecting oral histories about the park in order to preserve the park’s rich history. For more information, contact outreach@gulickpark.org.
Friends of J. Hood Wright Park: Friends of J. Hood Wright Park is a non-profit group of community members who want nothing more than to keep the park great. They are dedicated to maintaining the park’s special features, especially the sandbox, for the enjoyment of the neighborhood. For more information, contact friendsofjhoodwright@gmail.com.
Friends of Morningside Park: The Friends of Morningside Park (FMP) is an all volunteer organization founded in 1981 to advocate for the protection and clean up of Morningside Park, a “Harlem Jewel” and an Olmsted and Vaux design. FMP has worked tirelessly and had remarkable success; it partners with elected officials, the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, Partnerships for Parks and Community Based Organizations. Recent park improvements include: a state-of-the-art playground and a weekly farmers market. Morningside Park recently took its “rightful place” as a NYC Scenic Landmark and, is the first park in Harlem to obtain this recognition.
Friends of Roosevelt Park, Inc.: The Friends Roosevelt Park is a 20 year-old non-profit with 501c3 status, uniquely dedicated to co-managing and helping fund the eight acre park surrounding the American Museum of Natural History. Since the completion of the new Rose Space Center and the Park's renovation in 1999-2000, the quality maintenance of this landscape, headed by a talented horticulture manager, have made this heavily trafficked space a desirable destination, not just a byway into the Museum. For more information, contact (212) 877-3204 or pwright77@aol.com.
Friends Seminary School: Friends Seminary educates students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, under the care of the New York Quarterly Meeting of Religious Society of Friends. Through instruction and example, students follow their curiosity and exercise their imaginations as they develop as scholars, artists, and athletes. For more information, call (212) 979-5030.
Friends of Seward Park: The Friends of Seward Park are passionate for the history, present, and future of Seward Park. They strive to preserve the beauty of the park and bring awareness of its potential to the community through gardening projects and advocacy for maintenance projects.
Friends of Sherman Creek: The Friends of Sherman Creek is a group designed to carry out the vision of the Bilingual Environmental Education Center at Sherman Creek. They organize cleanups and other community events to promote engagement and awareness of the creek as a valuable natural resource. For more information, contact friendsofshermancreek@hotmail.com.
Friends of St. Catherine’s Park: The Friends of St. Catherine’s Park is a not-for-profit, all volunteer, community group that is dedicated to preserving and enhancing St. Catherine’s Park, planting and maintaining the park gardens, ensuring that the playground equipment is kept in good repair, and sponsoring events in the park for neighborhood children. For more information, call (212)642-6384.
Friends of St. Nicholas Park: The Friends of St. Nicholas Park (West and Central Harlem) is a coalition of residents and community based organizations, working together to revitalize our neighborhood’s natural resource. We advocate for an increase in programming, beautification projects, and the overall positive use of our 23-acre park. For more information, contact info@stnicholaspark.org.
Friends of Fort Tryon Park: Friends of Fort Tryon Park aims to involve the entire community surrounding the park in maintaining and improving the park’s appearance and condition and promoting its use by the public. Such involvement and cooperation help solidify and enliven the community and make it (and the park) more attractive, safe, and desirable.
Gang Green: Gang Green is an organization that betters the quality of life in Manhattan’s West Side by planting trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, organizing a neighborhood watch, and donating thousands of dollars and volunteer hours to create a better neighborhood. For more information, contact Jacques@shopstudios.com.
CLIMB: The Giraffe NYC is a path that runs north-south connecting the northern end of Central Park with the cloister of northern Manhattan parks in the shape of a giraffe. CLIMB (City Life Is Moving Bodies) has been spearheading use of this hiking trail that links the area’s beautiful escarpment parks to promote physical exercise and community revitalization. For more information, call (212) 305-4734 or email CRG.CLIMB@gmail.com.
Greater Chinatown Community Association (GCCA): Greater Chinatown Community Association betters the well-being of the Chinatown community within New York City through unique individualized program services. Established in 1972 , GCCA has long since been a pioneer and innovator in the provision of resources and assistance. For more information, call (212)374-1311.
Hamilton Heights West Harlem Community Preservation Organization: The Hamilton Heights-West Harlem Community Preservation Organization is a nonprofit grassroots volunteer organization which seeks to bring together the many and varied community organizations tenant, block, homeowners associations, local businesses, and institutionsto resolve issues, advocate for services from public agencies, and celebrate our unique and diverse community.
Hester Street Collaborative: Hester Street Collaborative is a Design/Build community based non-profit, created to work with New York City communities to improve their neighborhoods. HSC works with residents and students in affordable housing developments, public spaces, and schools on participatory architectural projects which create compelling places to serve local residents, and build social capital through the process of articulating and realizing a shared vision. For more information, call (212)431-6780 or email info@hesterstreet.org.
Highbridge K9 Club: Highbridge K9 Club is dedicated to bringing together their dogs and their community in Washington Heights for the purpose of increasing the quality of life for dogs, dog owners, and the community at large by creating and maintaining a clean and well-lit dog run in the north end of Highbridge Park. They lead outreach programs to increase community awareness about the true nature of well-trained, friendly dogs and owners and foster community involvement and goodwill. For more information, call (917) 587-7364.
The Historic Harlem Parks Coalition: The Historic Harlem Parks Coalition (HHPC) is a coalition of volunteer advocacy groups representing Marcus Garvey, Morningside, St. Nicholas and Jackie Robinson Parks. Our goal is to play a vital role in promoting the renaissance of Harlem through events and beautification in Harlem’s most significant and beloved green spaces. Each summer through its REEL HARLEM festival HHPC brings outdoor film screenings to our parks. The films along with paired dance and musical performances showcase Harlem's African-American culture and the African diaspora.
Inwoof: Inwoof is a community of dog owners who frequent Homer’s Run in Inwood. They are an advocacy group for the Dog Run as well as issues around pet ownership in our neighborhood. They share tips, ideas, resources, and licks in the dog run.
Jefferson Market Garden: Jefferson Market Garden is an organization dedicated to ensuring that people of all ages enjoy the serenity of an open space and special programs. Born of community activism and grassroots enthusiasm, today the Jefferson Market Garden is sustained by volunteer efforts and the support of visitors and neighbors. The very existence of the garden is proof of what involved neighbors can accomplish together. For more information, contact vgpny@gmail.com.
J. Hood Wright Canine Club: J. Hood Wright Canine Club is a group of dog-loving people who bring their canine companions to the dog park and meet regularly to discuss ongoing maintenance, fund raising, and community events. Their aim is to provide a safe, clean, well-kept area for dogs and community members alike to enjoy.
Jungle Tennis Players Association: The Jungle Tennis Players Association helps “to maintain, improve and enhance the tennis experience at the Fred Johnson (Jungle) Tennis Courts. . . work with city agencies, politicians and the community to facilitate and further the purposes of the organization. The Jungle Tennis Association aims to reach out to the New York and Harlem community through the great sport of tennis to preserve and enhance the important city resource that is ‘The Jungle.’” For more information, contact (212) 862-3924 or ram826@yahoo.com.
Lower East Side Ecology Center (LES Ecology Center): The LES Ecology Center works toward a more sustainable NYC by providing community-based recycling and composting programs, developing local stewardship of green space, and increasing community awareness, involvement, and youth development through environmental education programs. For more information, contact (212) 477-4022 or www.lesecologycenter.org.
Manhattan Comprehensive Night and Day High School: Manhattan Comprehensive Night and Day High School is a rare, one of a kind, public high school teaching older, non-traditional students, that strives to provide social supports which are beyond the responsibility of public education. This allows students to overcome obstacles to attend school regularly and to graduate as economically self-sufficient and socially responsible members of the community. For more information, call (212)353-2010, Ext 109 or email info@mancomp.org.
M’Finda Kalunga Community Garden/RPCC: M’Finda Kalunga Community Garden is a community ‘backyard’ for those who live and work in the area near Sara D. Roosevelt Park. They promote active participation in the maintenance and growth of the community garden as a valuable community resource. For more information, call (212)479-0880 or email marketgarden@yahoo.com.
Morningside BARC (Build A Run Coalition): Morningside BARC (Build A Run Coalition) is a community based organization dedicated to dogs and their owners in the Morningside Park area of Manhattan. In serving and uniting communities in Central Harlem, Morningside Heights, and Manhattan Valley, their goal is to use their shared love of dogs to build gathering places, to plan events, and to otherwise strengthen ties among the enormously diverse users of the park.
Neighborhood Neighbors: Neighborhood Neighbors is committed to the redevelopment, beautification, and ongoing maintenance of two Green Thumb Gardens located in Edgecombe Avenue Garden Park Sanctuary and Sugar Hill Park. For more information contact (917) 582-2528 or Neighborhood.Neighbors@yahoo.com.
New York City Mountain Bike Association: New York City Mountain Bike Association is an organization of avid mountain bikers that are dedicated to the maintenance of New York City’s mountain bike trails and jumps. They organize cleanups and trail maintenance events and help promote organized rides that engage their local communities.
PS 116: PS 116 is a community of leaders in which all children are encouraged to achieve high academic standards and social success, to enjoy learning, to celebrate diversity, to develop analytical skills, and to model exemplary behavior. They emphasize the basic virtues of respect, compassion, perseverance, honesty, and commitment to character building. For more information, call (212) 685-4366.
PS 40 PTA: PS 40 PTA is a multicultural and multi-ethnic community where parents, children, teachers, and administrators, collaborate to provide a supportive environment for each child. For more information, call (212) 420-0170
Riverside-Inwood Neighborhood Garden (RING): RING hopes to educate neighborhood adults and children in the arts and science of horticulture, aquaculture, butterfly habitat, and composting, and enhance their appreciation of the environment with hands-on experience. RING is committed to increasing its role as a focus for community involvement by including more members of the community in garden and cultural events held at the garden. Enjoyment of the garden and care and cultivation of plants by volunteers, both in the garden and elsewhere in the community, are additional vehicles for achieving these goals.
Stuyvesant Park Neighborhood Association, Inc: Stuyvesant Park Neighborhood Association is dedicated to the restoration, maintenance, historical studies, landmark designations, zoning, transportation, public hearings, crime prevention, social events, and horticultural plantings for the Stuyvesant Square Park neighborhood.
Sutton Area Community: Sutton Area Community is an organization committed to the continuous improvement of life in our neighborhood by actively engaging residents and business establishments in efforts to maintain and enhance the quality of life. Their goals include addressing environmental, safety, traffic, transportation, and zoning issues, and enhancing the aesthetic quality of their streets and parks. For more information, call (212)838-9770.
Turtle Bay Association, Inc.: Turtle Bay Association is made up of residents, business people, and property owners who live and/or work in Turtle Bay. With a membership of almost 2000 New Yorkers, they are a growing group of dedicated volunteers actively working to preserve their history, enhance quality of life, and help members deal with the issues and demands of everyday urban living in the 21st century. For more information, call (212) 751-5465.
UDEC Harlem River Ecology Center: UDEC Harlem River Ecology Center is a unique urban nature center, located adjacent to NYC Bridge Park/Harlem River Trails; serving as an important catalyst in advancing environmental literacy, community stewardship, culture, and maritime on the Bronx Harlem River Waterfront; working with urban youth and families of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds; activating and empowering responsible citizenry for neighborhood environmental quality towards protecting, conserving, and revitalizing our environment with a special emphasis on the Harlem River and its watershed.
Union Square Partnership: The Union Square Partnership has been "Proudly serving the neighborhood for 30 years, the Union Square Partnership has been the leading advocate for the Union Square-14th Street community, working collaboratively with area residents, businesses, and cultural and academic institutions to ensure the district's continued growth and success. Our mission is to enhance the neighborhood's quality-of-life by creating a safer, cleaner and more enjoyable environment." For more information, contact (212) 460-1200 or info@unionsquarenyc.org.
Village Community School: The goal of the Village Community School is to develop self-motivated students who view learning as an exciting and rewarding process that will continue throughout their lives. The School strives to be a diverse community where equity, justice, and excellence are interdependent, and children become effective citizens, with the ability to make meaningful contributions. For more information, call (212)691-5416.
Washington Tykes: Washington Tykes is devoted to the dogs of Washington Heights and their people. They aim to maintain the dog run by scheduling cleanups and other community events to promote safe and healthy canine fun.
West 45th Street Block Association: West 45th Street Block Association is dedicated to informing community members about decisions that affect them and bettering their neighborhood through proactive community engagement.
West 46th Street Block Association: West 46th Street Block Association serves to organize and coordinate activities for the improvement of our community, encourage involvement in beautification efforts, act as a liaison between residents and city government, and disseminate information. Their purpose is to promote a better neighborhood through the monitoring of city services and to initiate innovative programs which will improve and benefit the community. For more information, contact info@west46streetblockassociation.org.
West 55th Street Block Association: West 55th Street Block Association is an organization whose mission is to promote a better block and community through group action. They hold several community meetings each year, giving the community members a chance to join them, hear guest speakers, and voice their concerns on the Block.
West Harlem Art Fund, Inc.: The West Harlem Art Fund, Inc. is a community-based, cultural arts and preservation organization. It offers exhibition opportunities for artists wishing to share their work with residents uptown and around the city. The West Harlem Art Fund, Inc. utilizes art and culture in open, public spaces to aesthetically inspire thought provoking solutions to problems, promote historical and cultural heritage, and support community involvement in local development.
West Harlem Community Preservation Organization: The “Hamilton Heights”-West Harlem Community Preservation Organization ("CPO") is a non-profit grassroots volunteer organization which seeks to bring together the many and varied community organizations--tenant, block, homeowners associations, local businesses and institutions to resolve issues, advocate for services from public agencies and celebrate our unique and diverse community. For more information, please contact (212) 939-9201.
Yes We Can Inwood!: Yes We Can Inwood! is a homegrown project that organizes monthly, friendly-family community service projects in beautiful Inwood Hill Park and its environs as a way to improve their community and introduce the idea and practice of public service to their children.
This is not a complete list. Please contact us at PartnershipsForParks@parks.nyc.gov to learn about specific groups near you.
Queens Groups
Alley Park Environmental Center: Alley Park Environmental Center is a private, nonprofit corporation dedicated to establishing awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the environment, as well as the responsibilities associated with preserving the environment in an urban setting. Alley Pond consists of 150 acres of woodlands, trails, streams and ponds plus an aquarium, animal care and education center. For more information, call (718)229-4000 or email info@alleypond.com.
Alley Pond Striders: Alley Pond Striders is a running and walking club with over 250 members which serves the communities of Eastern Queens and Nassau County. They actively promote the enjoyment of walking and running in Alley Pond Park.
Allied Rockaway Foundation for Animal Recreation and Fitness (ARF-ARF): ARF-ARF provides a healthy resource to foster the fitness and social growth of dogs and their owners, and educates pet owners and citizens in the Rockaway community. They view the Rockaway Freeway Dog Park as a community project, in partnership with the NYC Department of Parks, designed to satisfy the needs of dog owners and non-dog owners alike. For more information, call (917) 903-6518.
Astoria Park Alliance: Astoria Park Alliance is a volunteer organization whose mission is to beautify, enhance, and encourage participation in Astoria Park. APA believes that supporting parks and green space builds community. For more information visit www.myspace.com/astoriaparkalliance.
Bayside Angler’s Group: The Bayside Angler’s Group is a nonprofit organization/fishing club with the goal to promote safe, effective, and environmentally sound recreational fishing practices. They share their knowledge to become better fishermen and offer expertise to the public through various community outreach events. For more information, call (917)733-0950 or email president@baysideanglers.com.
Coastal Preservation Network: Coastal Preservation Network is a not-for-profit organization founded by long-time College Point residents to make the waterfront community an even better place to live. They accomplish this by organizing waterfront cleanups, working to create a kayak launch, planting, and planning community events. For more information, contact katwini@earthlink.net.
Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists (CLIMB): CLIMB was established in 1990 as a non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to the growth and safe enjoyment of mountain bicycling. (Also, has interest in Queen’s parks.) It promotes a strong relationship between recreation and conservation by educating the mountain bicycling community on environmentally sound and socially responsible trail use. For more information, contact email@CLIMBonline.org.
Eastern Queens Alliance: Eastern Queens Alliance is dedicated to preserving the wetlands and parklands, restoring the degraded ecosystem, increasing the environmental, educational, and recreational uses, and implementing the Idlewild Park Salt Marsh Science Learning Center in Idlewild Park and adjacent wetlands and open spaces. Their ultimate goal is the maximization of the quality of life in southeast Queens. For more information, call (866)372-4255 or email EQA@easternqueensalliance.org.
Friends of Cunningham Park: Friends of Cunningham Park is dedicated to the maintenance of Cunningham Park as the premier park of Northeast Queens and to the preservation of the 385 acre oasis of fields, ponds, trails, recreation facilities, and precious forest for community members and visitors to enjoy. For more information, contact friendsofcunninghampark@yahoo.com or call (718) 766-0500.
Friends of Fort Totten Parks: In 2004, the mission of Friends of Fort Totten Parks was to generate community support for the creation of Fort Totten Parks. Today, they maintain the parks for the community through various volunteer projects and events to engage community members and ensure future support. For more information, call (718)670-3684 or email friendsofforttottenparks@yahoo.com.
Friends of Oakland Lake: The Friends of Oakland Lake’s mission is to beautify the area in the immediate vicinity of Oakland Lake and educate young people and the community about the uniqueness of this space and the importance of protecting the local environment. They organize volunteer projects, partner with the community, its representatives, the Parks Department, etc, and foster greater community involvement with and stewardship of Oakland Lake. For more information, contact FriendsofOaklandLake@yahoo.com.
Green Shores NYC: Green Shores NYC is a coalition of individuals, community groups, and local businesses who have joined together to improve and promote the waterfront parks and shoreline in Astoria and Long Island City. They sponsor events to beautify and maintain our parks and organize recreational and educational activities for adults and children. They support the East River Shoreline in Queens, NY, stretching from Newtown Creek in the south to the Bowery Bay in the North. For more information, contact greenshoresnyc@yahoo.com.
Coastal Preservation Network: The Costal Preservation Network’s mission is to restore and protect the waterfront park areas in Northeast Queens by hosting cleanups and other activities. It works primarily in MacNeil Park and Powells Cove Park, both in College Point.
Jamaica Bulldogs: The Jamaica Bulldogs Organization, founded by Lance and Camille Morgan and Michael June in 2004, is a youth football team and cheerleading squad. The squad caters to male and female children, aged 6-16, and is based at Liberty Park in Jamaica, Queens (173rd Street & Liberty Avenue). The Jamaica Bulldogs are proud competitors in the Big Apple Youth Football League.
Little Bay Dog Run: Little Bay Dog Run is committed to the off-leash exercising of dogs in a safe environment and works to maintain the dog run for the enjoyment of responsible owners and their canine friends.
Rockaway Waterfront Alliance: Rockaway Waterfront Alliance leads the revitalization of the Rockaway Waterfront to strengthen the connection between the community and the waterfront. They are a community based nonprofit that works to empower the local Rockaway community to play a role in the determination of their neighborhoods, and foster an understanding of the principals of environmental justice and urban sustainability. For more information, call (718) 327-5919 or email info@rwalliance.org.
Socrates Sculpture Park: Socrates Sculpture Park is dedicated to providing artists with opportunities to create and exhibit large-scale work in a unique environment that encourages strong interaction between artists, artworks, and the public. The park’s existence is based on the belief that reclamation, revitalization and creative expression are essential to the survival, humanity, and improvement of our urban environment. For more information, call (718)956-1819 or email info@socratessculpturepark.org.
Udalls Cove Preservation Committee: The Udalls Cove Preservation Committee is a volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, conservation, and restoration of Udall’s Cove, and its associated wetlands and wooded uplands. Much of the area is now protected as the Udalls Cove Wildlife Preserve, managed by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, contact udallscove@aol.com or waltermugdan@aol.com.
This is not a complete list. Please contact us at PartnershipsForParks@parks.nyc.gov to learn about specific groups near you.
Staten Island Groups
Council On the Arts and Humanities for Staten Island (COAHSI): Council On the Arts and Humanities for Staten Island strives to develop, foster and promote arts, cultural and humanities activities on Staten Island by working hand-in-hand on arts and humanities projects with individual artists, community leaders, cultural and community-based organizations, large and small foundations and businesses, schools and governmental agencies. For more information, call (718)447-3329 or email info@statenislandarts.org.
Everything Goes Book Café & Neighborhood Stage: Everything Goes Book Café and Neighborhood Stage cultivates community by providing a place to meet, discover, and exchange human thought. For more information, call (718)447-8256 or email etg.bookcafe@yahoo.com.
Friends of Abandoned Cemeteries, Inc. S.I.: The mission of the Friends of Abandoned Cemeteries is to initiate, promote, and assist in the beautification, rehabilitation, and/or cleanup of neglected or abandoned cemeteries, graveyards, burying grounds and churchyards, and to attempt to restore and maintain grave stones/markers and history of such final resting places. They also aim to maintain the obscure historic burial records as well as other written material. For more information, call (917)545-3309 or email SICemetery@aol.com.
The Greenbelt Conservancy: The Greenbelt Conservancy works in partnership with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation to help manage, preserve and promote stewardship of the Greenbelt, a 2,800-acre expanse of natural areas that includes parks and the Greenbelt Nature Center. It promotes environmental education, special events, active recreation and community involvement throughout the year. For more information contact: (718) 667-2165.
On Your Mark: On Your Mark is a Staten Island based non-profit organization that provides comprehensive services to children and adults with a wide range of abilities and various disabilities. These programs are designed to promote independence, community integration, social integration and individualization in order to help children and adults with disabilities learn to enjoy and participate in all that life has to offer. For more information, call (718)720-9233.
Project Hospitality: Project Hospitality is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to reach out to community members who are hungry, homeless, or otherwise in need in order to work with them to achieve their self-sufficiency – thereby enhancing the quality of life for our community. Project Hospitality seeks to realize its mission both by advocating for those in need and by establishing a comprehensive continuum of care. For more information, call (718)448-1544 or email info@projecthospitality.org.
Project Hospitality: Project Hospitality is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to reach out to community members who are hungry, homeless, or otherwise in need in order to work with them to achieve their self-sufficiency – thereby enhancing the quality of life for our community. Project Hospitality seeks to realize its mission both by advocating for those in need and by establishing a comprehensive continuum of care. For more information, call (718)448-1544 or email info@projecthospitality.org.
Richmond County Orchestra: Since the 1996, The Richmond County Orchestra has performed several times for the openings of new parks on Staten Island and, regularly provides public concerts in parks such as Richmond Town, Snug Harbor and the Conference House. It works to provide the greater Staten Island Community with live world class orchestral musical performances and multifaceted educational programming.
SIOutLOUD: SIOutLOUD is a grassroots community dialogue and performance project that meets in historic sites, nature preserves, delis, bookshops, museums, galleries, libraries, parks, playgrounds, cafes, and community centers for aloud readings of world classics, historic texts, and other compelling works. Most events are intimate participatory readings while some are large staged performances with music and dance. For more information, call (718)907-0709 or email sioutloud@yahoo.com.
Staten Island Museum: Staten Island Museum is an institution with a mission to document, research, preserve, collect, interpret, and exhibit significant objects and themes in the areas of natural science, art, and local history with the goal of educating, celebrating, and enriching the community of Staten Island in particular, and the New York Metropolitan region in general. For more information call, (718) 727-1135.
Staten Island Herb Society: The Staten Island Herb Society Maintains the Colonial Herb Garden and the Native American Garden at the Conference House Park, located at: 7455 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10307. The Staten Island Herb Society promotes the knowledge of herbs through lectures, demonstrations and other educational means. For more information, contact: skyesuter@gmail.com. (*At present SIHS does not have a website, please contact at the email address and information will be sent to you once it is constructed this year.)
Staten Island Pipes and Drums: Staten Island Pipes and Drums aims to teach, perform, and foster community appreciation of bagpipe music by entertaining with a collection of traditional and popular music and offering free pipe and drum instruction. Staten Island Pipes and Drums participates in numerous parades and other events throughout the New York/New Jersey area and has a history of volunteerism and support of numerous community and charitable causes.
Where To Turn: Where to Turn is an organization whose purpose is to provide crisis relief services for victims of any kind of tragedy by aiding them in obtaining the help they need during the recovery process. They accomplish this by advocating for victims, connecting victims with relevant programs, and creating and fostering community participation and interaction. For more information call (718)966-6531 or email info@where-to-turn.org.
This is not a complete list. Please contact us at PartnershipsForParks@parks.nyc.gov to learn about specific groups near you.
We just refurnished our website! If you would like to see your community group listed here, please email your website, mission statement, and contact information to PartnershipsForParks@parks.nyc.gov.
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