Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park Inc.

Overview

Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the development, maintenance, and community engagement around Bushwick Inlet Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York. The organization plays a crucial role in advocating for the preservation and expansion of this public park and ensuring it remains a vibrant community space.

Mission and Activities

The group's mission centers on engaging local communities, fostering a broad coalition of supporters, and advocating for the completion and upkeep of the park. Their efforts have been instrumental in mobilizing community support and holding city officials accountable for commitments related to the park's development. Activities include organizing community events, leading advocacy campaigns, and partnering with other local organizations to promote the park's interests.

Founding and Key Milestones

The Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park have been at the forefront of efforts to ensure the realization of the nearly 27.5-acre park vision along the East River waterfront. Key milestones include their successful campaigns to secure land acquisitions and their role in commemorating significant events such as the demolition of the CitiStorage building, which cleared a major obstacle to park expansion.

Leadership

The organization has been led by individuals such as Steve Chesler and Katherine Thompson, who have been recognized for their pioneering efforts in community activism and park advocacy. Their approach to building a diverse coalition and engaging the community through inclusive events has been highlighted as a model for grassroots activism.

Community Engagement

Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park actively involve various stakeholders, including local schools, parent-teacher associations, and community groups, in their efforts. They organize family-friendly activities to encourage widespread participation and ensure that the park is accessible to all members of the community.

Challenges and Current Initiatives

Despite successes, the organization continues to face challenges such as environmental remediation and legal disputes over land clean-up responsibilities. They remain vigilant in opposing developments that could undermine the integrity of the park and its surroundings, working towards achieving the full vision of the planned waterfront park.