by Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy on Dec 15, 2016
BROOKLYN, December 15, 2016—In 2016, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy (Conservancy) partnered with 1,842 volunteers who contributed over 7,000 service hours to the park. With the launch of new programs such as TIDES and Park Peers, the Conservancy expanded its already robust volunteer efforts.
For six weeks in the fall, ten students between the ages of 14 and 17 came together to participate in the first-ever iteration of Teens Interested in & Dedicated to Environmental Sciences (TIDES). The program connected teens with the park and its staff to complete community service hours while exploring nature through gardening, seining, and oyster cage monitoring.
The Conservancy also worked with Pier 77, Services for the Underserved, Job Path, and the League of Education & Treatment Center to launch Park Peers—a volunteer program catering to individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.
“Brooklyn Bridge Park strives to be a place for everybody,” said Nancy Webster, Executive Director of the Conservancy. “And we wanted our volunteer programs to reflect that.”
In addition to the two new efforts, existing programs such as Coastal Cleanup, Green Team, and Zone Gardeners attracted hundreds of volunteers this year. Together, they served 1,143 hours in the park, removing over 400 pounds of trash from Brooklyn’s East River shoreline, and keeping the planting beds tidy and beautiful.
Education Volunteers also continued growing this year, as individuals helped with seining sessions, school programs, and the Environmental Education Center’s open hours. These volunteers contributed a total of 465 hours, helping the Conservancy welcome thousands of students and families.
“We are extremely grateful for our volunteers,” said Karla Osorio-Perez, the Conservancy’s Volunteer Manager. “Brooklyn Bridge Park is as special as it is because of their incredible dedication and stewardship.”