Impact Astoria: Story By Gabrielle C. Sherb Astoria Park is the heart and soul of our community. From the welcome sign at the corner of Ditmars and 19th Street to the track under the RFK Triborough Bridge, Astoria Park is open to all to enjoy. I’ve always noticed how beautiful the park is, and the care and attention that is paid to it. With the warm weather upon us we can thank Astoria Park Alliance for its commitment to keeping this jewel of the borough gleaming so bright. The mission of Astoria Park Alliance (APA) is to ensure the conservation and sustainability of Astoria Park for all New Yorkers. Created in 2007 and co-chaired by Jordan Dyniewski and Martha Lopez-Gilpin, the APA raises awareness of the park and builds public, private and community partnerships to advance the resources and opportunities in the space. APA’s programs and services range from bimonthly beautification and cleanup days, to health and wellness classes on the terrace by Astoria Pool, as well as the popular Shore Fest—a three-day festival featuring activities, music, food and art. “Astoria Park Alliance promotes the growth and stewardship of green space,” says Lopez-Gilpin. “Having the shared experience of Astoria Park creates respect for all those who visit it.” Astoria Park was developed in 1913. Following the Civil War, city officials feared that without enforcing eminent domain that the urban population would not have access to nature and the waterfront. Astoria Park is 59.96 square acres of parkland and is historically landmarked. APA is committed to raising awareness and support to make sure the parkland is preserved and revered well into its second century. “We want to create more transparency and participation,” says Dyniewski. “We believe in a bottom-up rather than top-down approach to create a sustainable organization,” adds Lopez-Gilpin. And they are doing that more than ever. 54 | BOROMAG.COM | MAY 2015 APA, which is currently registered as an initiative of the New York City Department of Parks, is in the beginning stages of becoming its own private nonprofit organization. It boasts a robust community of volunteers, each of whom take on different roles and responsibilities to ensure the goals of APA are accomplished. “Applying structure allows your volunteers to do so much more,” says Dyniewski. “When people see good things happening, they are attracted to it and want to make an impact. It makes them feel like they own a part of the community.” With this new structure in place, APA has great optimism for the future of the park. “Building a community starts in the park,” says Dyniewski. “As the neighborhood changes, we hope that Astoria Park will continue to provide a center of commonality for all who use it.” Here are three simple ways you can work with Astoria Park Alliance and make the park greener for all: 1 Volunteer in the park: Join members for a bimonthly cleanup day to make sure its pathways and green spaces are clean for all to enjoy. 2 Attend community meetings: These take place the first Tuesday of each month at the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden. This is the first step if people want to be more involved by serving on a committee. 3 Donate: Select the APA as a designated City Parks Foundation program to provide resources for its slew of programming and capital projects. To learn more about Astoria Park Alliance and its activities, visit Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/astoriaparkalliance, or follow on Twitter @APAlliance. Instagram at @astoriaparkalliance or email [email protected]. Astoria Park Alliance EXPLORE YOUR BORO
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