Fort Greene Park: Analysis of Space (Brooklyn, New York City - 2016

FORT
GREENE
PARK
ANALYSIS
OF A PLACE
Urban Placemaking and Management Program
Lab: Analysis of Public Space | Fall 2016

INTRODUCTION As a recent recipient of a $5 million
Parks Without Borders grant, the NYC
Parks Department and the Fort Greene
Park Conservancy asked Pratt Urban
Placemaking and Management students
participating in a Graduate Center for
Planning and the Environment studio
to develop vibrant and appropriate
placemaking proposals, aiming to improve
accessibility and circulation around the
park through traffic analysis, activity
mapping, and user surveys, with special
attention paid to possible connections
to the Avenue NYC grant-winning
Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project

Urban Placemaking and Management Program
Lab: Analysis of Public Space | Fall 2016
Assoc. Prof. David Burney
Assist. Prof. Meg Walker
Aamir Ansari
Ryan Cagle
Channa Camins
Evangeline Costa
Mea Karla Dalumpines
Alejandra Gómez Bolívar
Nikki Laureola
Isha Patel
Pratik Patel
Danisley Pérez-Bravo Jayson
Carlos Rodríguez Estévez
Shingo Sekiya
Devshri Shah
Eric Xue

Acknowledgments
CONTEXT
Historical Relevance
Vicinity Map
Land Use
Transportation
Income and Race
Housing
Health
Existing Plan and Elements
Events
METHODOLOGY & ANALYSIS
Methods & Limitations
Behavior Mapping
Demographics
Activity Mapping
Entrance Counts
Surveys Summary / Ratings
Inferences - Analysis
Demographics Comparison
Activity Graph by Category
RECOMMENDATIONS
Entrances
Landscape
Play
Exercise
Activation
CONCLUSIONS
Masterplan
Capital Projects Recommendations
Master phasing
APPENDIX
Behavior Mapping
Activity Charts
Entrance Counts
Surveys
CONTENTS
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7
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thanks goes to Mr. David Barker, Director
of Fort Greene Park at NYC Department
of Parks & Recreation and Mr. Julian
Macrone, Program and Development
Manager at Fort Greene Park Conservancy
for their support of this study, their help
in coordinating volunteers, and their time
spent with the Urban Placemaking and
Management class at Pratt Institute.
Special thanks goes to Meredith Phillips
Almeida and Chad Purkey of the Myrtle
Avenue Brooklyn Partnership for helping
to introduce the project to the class and for
providing additional information pertaining
to the area surrounding Fort Greene Park.
Thanks to all of the survey respondents,
additional staff at Fort Greene Park, and all
the staff and board members of the Fort
Greene Park Conservancy, as well as all
the volunteers involved in this project.
Thank you to Professors David Burney
and Meg Walker of Pratt Institute for their
guidance throughout this project, without
which this report would not be possible.

10
During the Revolutionary War, the high
ground that is now Fort Greene Park served
as the location of a strategic fort. This fort
was rebuilt during the War of 1812, but
by the 1840s, the land was vacant. Then-
editor of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle Walt
Whitman wrote several columns advocating
the land be turned into Brooklyn’s first
park, and legislation to do so passed in
1847. Twenty years later, Frederick Law
Olmsted and Calvert Vaux redesigned the
park to include a new crypt and memorial
for the the Prison Ship Martyrs, U.S.
Revolutionary War soldiers who perished
on British prison ships during the Battle of
Long Island. In 1905, the monument stairs
were redesigned and its iconic doric column
was installed. Throughout the following
decades, several other additions were made
to the park and the northwest entrance
plaza, including the addition of a basketball
court, retaining wall, and new playground.
1908 The unveiling and dedication of the Prison Ships Martyrs Monument in Fort Greene Park.
Credit Clinton Irving Jones, Courtesy of Fort Greene Park Conservancy
HISTORICAL
RELEVANCE

11
Fort Greene Park is located in the center of
the Fort Greene and Clinton Hill neighborhood.
Bounded by Myrtle Avenue to the north, Dekalb
Avenue to the south, Washington Street to the
east and St. Edwards Street and the Brooklyn
Hospital to the west, the park is surrounded by
VICINITY
MAP
FORT
GREENE
PARK
Brooklyn
Heights
Carroll
Garden
Red
Hook
Boerum
Hills
Gowanus
Prospect
Heights
Brooklyn
Heights
Bedford
Stuvesant
Clinton Hill
Fort
Greene
Williamsburg
Navy Yard
Manhattan
Governors
Island
a mostly mixed residential and commercial area.
Its prime location has the opportunity
to strengthen connections to the
neighborhoods of Fort Greene and Clinton
Hill while linking these neighborhoods to
downtown Brooklyn via Flatbush Avenue.

12
Fort
Greene
Park
Land Use Map. Fort Greene and Clinton Hill area

13
Floor Area
51%
Residential
13%
Others
6%
Ofﬁce
26%
Commercial
3%Retail
1%Factory
The 30.2 acres study area has population
of 76,554 (2014, U.S. Census Bureau
population information for New York City).
Fort Greene Park is the largest green
space within the vicinity. The district
includes the neighborhoods of Fort Greene
(Population of 28,721 in 2014), most of
Clinton Hill, west part of Bedford-Stuyvesant
and east part of Downtown Brooklyn.
Half of the floor area within the study area
is residential (51%), quarter is commercial
(26%), 6% office, 3% retail, 1% factory and
13% others. Educational institutions lies
along Dekalb Avenue including Pratt Institute,
Brooklyn Tech high school, and Long Island
University Brooklyn campus. World class
cultural facilities accumulate along Fulton
street including the Brooklyn Academy of
Music the BRIC (Brooklyn Information &
Culture) and. There are 5 major commercial
strips along Myrtle avenue, Fulton street,
Dekalb avenue, Flatbush Avenue in
Brooklyn Downtown and Atlantic Avenue.
Buildings built in early 20th century
concentrate in the east and south row-
housing area. New constructions are
concentrated along Myrtle Avenue, Atlantic
Avenue, downtown redevelopment area
and in dispersed residential area.
LAND USE

14
Fort Greene Park is well connected to
bordering neighborhoods as well as to the
entire city.
Subway stations line N, Q, R, B, D, 2, 3, 4,
5, A, C and G are located on the southwest
area of the Fort Greene Park. Convenient
bus stops are located on the north side
along Myrtle Avenue, line B52, and on the
south side along DeKalb Avenue, line B38.
Both roads have shared bike lanes, and the
Manhattan Bridge drops bikers off close to
the park. Roads surrounding the park are
fairly bike friendly with Citi Bike stations on
three of its four sides.
Due to the subway stations located on the
southwest part, passing pedestrians are
often seen and concentrated on the west
side of the park.
TRANSPORTATION
Map of the main transportation routes. Fort Greene and Clinton Hill area

15
From 1980 to 2014, the population of African
Americans in the study area decreased
dramatically from 73% to 41%, in contrast to only a
slight decrease, from 38% to 34% seen in the rest
of Brooklyn. Conversely, the neighborhood went
from only 16% white in 1980 to 38% by 2014.
Today, the census tracts to the east and south of
the park are about 60% white, while those along
the northern edge (an area currently occupied by
NYCHA residents) is about 60% black.
Though the racial mix of Fort Greene looks more
like the rest of Brooklyn today, it looks a lot less like
the Fort Greene of the 1980s.

16
average household income &
housing types (by Census Tract)

17
owner & renter occupancy rates
(by Census Tract)

18
Fort Greene Park is parallelogram-shaped
30.2 acre (12.2 ha) park located in the
heart of Fort Greene -- a neighborhood
situated between Downtown Brooklyn and
Clinton Hill. The park’s central feature is the
Prison Ship Martyr’s Monument, located
approximately 50 feet above street level,
at the top of a natural hill. The monument
terrace is approached by a 100-foot-
wide granite staircase, which surrounds
the historic crypt housing remains from
some of the 11,500 American prisoners
who lost their lives aboard British prison
ships during the Revolutionary War. The
monument itself is a 149 feet doric column
with a decorative lantern at the peak.
Additional park facilities include two
playgrounds, six tennis courts, one
basketball court, a visitor’s center,
and over 160 benches. The site is
adjacent to a public housing complex,
the Brooklyn Hospital Medical Centre,
Brooklyn Technical High School, and
rows of historic brownstone housing.
EXISTINGPLAN
& ELEMENTS
Source: NYC MapPLUTO™, Nancy Owens Studio LLC, Fort Greene Park, Historic
Resource and Management and Operations Study, NYC Parks & Recreation, 2015

19
Soul Summit House Music Tennis Events
BBQ
Movie Nights
Jazz Concerts
Fort Greene Park Greenmarket
Holiday Tree Lighting
EVENTS
Fort Greene is a venue for many well known
and well attended events including:

22
Sources
September 2016
Data from Fort Greene
Conservancy
Original plan 1867, evolution of park design
vs. Current condition
Analysis of Census
Data Latest data 2014
ACS, DNA info,
Trulia, NYC maps
Demographic data, land use and real estate,
housing, transportation, crime and health
statistics
Photography September - October
2016
Own work
Photos taken during behavioral mapping,
sequences of pictures were taken to report
the actual state of the park and the way
people use it
Behavioral
Mapping
September - October
2016
Data based on
numerous visits and
observations
The park was separated in ﬁve areas where
uses, activities, and type of users were
analysed
Surveys
September - October
2016
Data from from park
users surveyed in situ
and online
Users of the park were surveyed during
different times and different days of week.
Looking for suggestions, comments, and
concerns
Items AnalysedDateMethodology
Analysis of Historical
Documents
After studying the context and existing
conditions of the park and surrounding area,
we launched a series of data collecting
initiatives, including activity mapping,
behavioral observation, pedestrian traffic
analysis, and intercept surveys.
Data was gathered during a period of four
weeks from late summer to mid-autumn.
This revealed some limitations in observed
park activities, such as a lack of barbecuing
and other summer events. Analysis of the
surrounding developments focused on the
neighborhoods of Fort Greene and Clinton
Hill, bounded by Fulton Avenue to the west,
Bedford Avenue to the east, the Brooklyn-
Queens Expressway to the North, and
Atlantic Avenue to the south. Aside from
members of Pratt’s studio class, volunteers
from the Fort Greene Park Conservancy
were also enlisted for on-site data collection.
METHODS &
LIMITATIONS

23
BEHAVIOUR
MAPPING
Behavioral mapping data was
divided into five key park areas.
AREA 1 (northwest corner) consists
of one playground, the fitness station
and basketball court, the designated
barbecue area, the circle garden, and
the heavily-used diagonal path.
AREA 2 (northeast corner) includes the
plaza entrance, surrounding sloping lawns
and the Myrtle Avenue sidewalks.
AREA 3 consists of the monument stairs
and plaza, as well as the lawn behind it.
AREA 4 (southwest corner) connects
Dekalb to St. Edwards and the
Brooklyn Hospital Center.
AREA 5, the busiest area, consists
of the “dust bowl,” the other
playground and the tennis courts.
1 2
3
4
5

24
African American/Black mainly
on the North of the park.
The users of Area 5 are predominately white.
There is a decrease in the number
of African American.
Latino and Asian represent a consistent
and significant portion of park users.
Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5
31%
28%
12% 13%
36%
30%
34%
59%
14% 13% 11%
9%
15% 6%6%
42%
10%
7%
14%
28%
37%
Children (4-12) Infants (0-3) DogsSeniors AdultsYoung AdultsTeens
23%
39%
8%
14%
8%
22%
41%
14%
9%
25%
10%
39%
7%
9%
22%
44%
7%
14%
9%
17%
37%
13%
10%
15%
WeekendsWeekdaysWeekends
7%
8%
33% 65% 66% 53%
17%
14%
16%
67% 10%
10%
13%
19% 18%
8%
8%
7%
9%
52%
Black / African American Latino Asian - Middle Eastern White
Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5
Weekdays
24%
50%15%
11%
44%
32%
9%
15% 13%11%
41%
35% 47%
24%
10%
19%
67%
18%
7%
8%
Demographics
(Data obtained from survey results)
1908 The unveiling and dedication of the Prison Ships Martyrs Monument in Fort Greene Park.
Credit Clinton Irving Jones, Courtesy of Fort Greene Park Conservancy

25
Activity
mapping
Active Socializing Playing Passive Eating
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Area 5
Area 4
Area 3
Area 2
Area 1
Active Socializing Playing
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Area 5
Area 4
Area 3
Area 2
Area 1
AREA 1: is busy in the afternoons
particularly in the active areas (basketball,
exercise, playground). Interestingly, the
designated barbecue area was not typically
utilized for barbecuing. Barbecuing usually
occurs in the circle garden where there
are more tables and chairs grouped
together. The diagonal path is consistently
busy from morning to late afternoon.
AREA 2: It’s busiest area is the pathwalk
and corresponding landscape fronting the
Willoughby midblock entrance. There is also
a significant number of people watching
activity along Myrtle Avenue sidewalk.
AREA 3: There is significant exercising
activity at the monument stairs and plaza
as well as dog walking at the lawn behind.
AREA 4: is also sparsely used except for
the lawn for dog walking and relaxation.
AREA 5: is busy all day with a lot of dog
walking activity happening during off leash
hours between 7 to 9 AM. The dust bowl,
the playground and the tennis courts are
always used by young families relaxing.
Main activities by
Fort Greene Park key areas

27
An analysis of user entrances from the nine
entrances of Fort Greene Park revealed how
the edges and its surroundings affect the
activity distribution and function of the park.
As the primary entrances from the Clinton
Hill and Fort Greene neighborhoods, the
Entrance
counts
entrances at the corner of Dekalb and
Washington and Willoughby midblock are
the most used entrances of the park. The
diagonal path entrance at Myrtle and N.
Portland is also frequently used by commuters
using the subway at Dekalb Ave and Fulton.

28
Intercept surveys on-site and online were
conducted to better understand the uses
and functionality of Fort Greene Park. A total
of 120 surveys were gathered, with critical
feedback received on general aspects of the
park, user activities and demographics, and
perceived needs in terms of improvement
of park assets and programming.
Among the users surveyed:
70-80% said live near and walk to the
park, the majority citing their zipcode as
that of Fort Greene/Clinton Hill (11205).
40-50% said they had lived in the
area for less than 5 years, followed
by 10- to 20-year residents, 6- to 10-
year residents, and residents living in
the area for more than 20 years.
As seen in census data and
through declared income of survey
respondents, the neighborhood may
be considered generally affluent.
31% of respondents reported an income
between 50-100k, while 24% declared 100k
or more, 16% said between 25-50k, 15%
between 10-25k, and 13% below 10k.
SURVEYS
Survey results were compiled and placed into
a word cloud for graphical representation.
Survey users revealed that the
park’s main draws are its size and
openness, the presence of natural
features and the community spirit it
engages within the neighborhood.
Word cloud of the most-liked features

29
For recommendations and improvements,
park users surveyed want better seating,
lighting, exercise equipment, landscaping
and an improved implementation of
park rules specifically for dog use.
Overall, park users want activities and
events such as food concessions, dancing
and exercise events, entertainment-related
activities and more quiet activities.
Word cloud of main recommendations and
improvements needed
Word cloud of the main suggesitons

30
Surveyed users were asked to rate how they
felt about different aspects of the park.
Ratings
favorite
features
features
needing
improvement

31
Fort Greene Park is a well-liked
neighborhood park and many daily
users are within walking distance.
The park’s natural beauty and landscaping
are its most beloved features.
Passive uses are popular among local
patrons, but visitors engage in
active uses as well. Need for better
maintenance and infrastructure throughout
the park, including improved amenities.
Steep topography and an imbalance
in programmed areas can impede
circulation of users within the park.
There is lack of cohesion between the
northwest corner and the rest of the park
due to alterations made in this area.
Fort Greene Park is most notably a well-liked
neighborhood park, visited almost daily by
many users who live within walking distance.
The park’s natural beauty and landscaping
are its most beloved features, and passive
uses are popular among local patrons.
Within its 30.2 acres of green space,
visitors also engage in a variety of active
uses, including barbequing, farmers’ market
shopping, and daily fitness activities.
There is an observed and expressed need
for better maintenance and infrastructure
throughout the park, including improved
amenities -- such as restrooms, lighting,
water fountains, seating, and signage.
Steep topography and an imbalance
in programmed areas can impede the
circulation of users within the park.
Alterations to the northwest entrance,
specifically, have created a lack of cohesion
between this area and the rest of the park.
inferences
positives
challenges
Of the many activities observed in the
park 32 of the most common were
categorized into five major use types:
Active
Social
Play
Passive
Eating
In our observations, Area 5 was the most
“social,” also having the most use in “play”
and “passive” categories throughout the
week. “Active” users were observed
in relative balance throughout the five
study areas. “Eating” activities were
the least common, presumably due to a
lack of concessions within the park.
Placemaking recommendations considering
infrastructure, design, and programming
were then developed, keeping these main
categories of users and use types in mind.
activity by category
ANALYSIS

36
Fort Greene Park has a total of nine
entrances that reinforce its prime location
and opportunities for strengthening
connections to the businesses and
neighborhoods of Fort Greene, Clinton
Hill and downtown Brooklyn. Behavioral
mapping and entrance count analysis
revealed that these means of ingress and
the subsequent triangulation that occurs
with its adjacent areas are contributing
to how these spaces are utilized.
The following entrance recommendations
aim to address community connections,
the park’s multifunctionality and the various
capital projects needed to improve the
park’s entrances. These recommendations
also hope to address the following issues:
‐‐ Maintenance
‐‐ Lighting
‐‐ Infrastructure
‐‐ Safety and security
‐‐ Physical barriers around the park
‐‐ Existing programming
ISSUES
Existing Conditions
Existing Conditions

37
VISION &
STRATEGY
The main objective is to disappear the mental
and physical barrer that the historical wall of the
park does, through permeable gateways that
work as catalysts to neighborhood engagement.
Build welcoming places that invite people to
come through them.
Create adaptable spaces which respond to its
multifunctional and diverse users.

38
HISTORICAL
PRECEDENTS
Based on the design by Olmstead
and Vaux of the park, the northwest
area was envisioned to be an open
plaza for public meetings, creating a
significant line of sight from this corner
to the monument plaza up top.
This portion of the park wasn’t built, and the
area evolved into a multifunctional space
used for exercising, playing basketball,
people watching and barbecuing.

39
Based on the design by Olmstead
and Vaux of the park, the northwest
area was envisioned to be an open
plaza for public meetings, creating a
significant line of sight from this corner
to the monument plaza up top.
This portion of the park wasn’t built, and the
area evolved into a multifunctional space
used for exercising, playing basketball,
people watching and barbecuing.
The existing perimeter wall was not
part of the original Olmstead wall
and was added afterwards.
1 - Open Plaza
2 - Multifunctional Lawn
3 - Movable Tables and Chairs (dining,
passive use)
4 - Pedestrian Path
5 - Stage
6 - Entrance steps
7 - Wayfinding Element (Entrance makers
or Info Kiosk)
Existing Condition
NORTHWEST
PLAZA
1
3
4
5
6
2
2
7
3
Enlivened and open a civic plaza as homage of Front Greene
Park’s history and its vibrant neighborhood

40
Precedent images
AyalaTriangle Gardens,
Makati City,The Philippines
Hyde Park, Sydney, Australia
Bryant Park, NewYork, NY

41
proposed
Removal of existing wall and possible
relocation of trees opens up the corner
and engages adjacent senior center, public
housing and downtown Brooklyn towards
Flatbush.
According to the entrance counts, this
plaza is the least used by pedestrians. It´s a
priority to reactivate the correct function of
the Northwest Plaza.
existing

42
NORTHEAST
PLAZAAn interactive water feature based on
Olmstead and Vaux’s original intent for this
entrance will be the highlight of the northeast
plaza. Through thoughtful programming and
exhibitions, Myrtle Avenue activity will be
carried through this plaza and into the park
itself.
1 - Widened Stairs and Ramp
2 - Dry Fountain
3 - Open Plaza for Flexible Exhibitions
4 - Planting
5 - Benches
Existing Condition
1
4
2
3
4
1
5
5
This project will be strong conduit to Myrtle Avenue commercial
district, enhanced by engaging and thoughtful programming

43
Dry fountain adds interest during summer
months, alternately functioning as open space
for seasonal markets or exhibitions. Plaza
can be used for expanded farmers’ market,
performances, temporary art exhibitions and
meetings.
existingPrecedent images
proposed
Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami, FL Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Sireneviy Sad, Moscow, Russia

44
Sidewalks are extended towards the road to
create more seating areas and pocket parks
in order to take advantage of the current
pedestrian flow and create a destination
for people watching. Street parking is
incorporated in the pocket parks to add width
to the space. Existing perimeter walls will
be used for seasonal art to strengthen the
continuity of Myrtle Avenue’s vibe.
MYRTLE
SIDEWALKS
1 - Benches
2 - Planting strips / Bioswale
3 - Pedestrian Path
4 - Outside Seating
5 - Bleachers
6 - Seasonal Art
PROPOSED SIDEWALKS NEAR N.PORTLAND PROPOSED SIDEWALKS NEAR ST. EDWARDS
Sidewalk pocket plazas, art and various seating types to elevate the
pedestrian and people watching experience
Drexel Park, Philadelphia, PA

45
NewYork, NY 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA Bell Street, Seattle,WA
Penn Plaza, NewYork, NY
Precedent images

46
Out of all entrances, the Dekalb-Fort
Greene entrance at the southwest corner
of the park is the least used and has the
highest occurrence of crime. Addition of
art, lighting installations and improvement of
wayfinding elements will improve visibility
and pedestrian interaction.
SOUTH WEST
ENTRANCE
1 -Lighting Installations
2 - Rotating Art
3 - Wayfinding Element (Improve entrance marker)
Exisiting conditions
Proposed Image

49
Fort
Greene
Park
10 mile0 1 N
At 30.2 acres, the park is the largest
public green space in the region. Needless
to say, it is important that its physical
infrastructure is maintained. Our survey
responses reflected a high priority on the
natural features of the park with 34% ofCONTEXT
surveyed users stating that their favorite
aspect of the park is its natural beauty.
Additionally, when asked about
improvements, landscaping maintenance
and the installation of more seating
were of high importance.

50
In the original Olmsted and Vaux design,
intertwining trails throughout the park were
proposed. They had a vision for the park
to contain shady walkways that snaked
throughout, surrounded by trees and foliage.
While this is not the current design, anyone
who has visited the park would notice the
dirt trails that lead off of the official paved
paths, intersecting with each other and
winding around trees. These dirt paths are
desire lines indicating where people enjoy
walking and running within the park, which
can inform our landscape recommendations.
Existing
Conditions

51
Recommended
interventionsErosion and water retention are big
problems for Fort Greene Park, as it is
situated on a large hill of glacial deposit.
Weather, as well as pedestrian and dog
traffic encourage loose sediment to break
apart and fall down sloped areas. Certain
parts of the park have experienced visibly
severe erosion, as indicated by red areas.
Blue areas indicate the most recent efforts
by the Parks Department to mitigate
this erosion. We must continue thinking
intentionally about how landscape design
can help or hinder erosion of park sediment.

52
VISION
We don’t want to fix anything that
isn’t broken, therefore we offer some
simple recommendations that can build
upon the park’s existing elements.
We advise to revitalize lengths of the
dirt paths that are surrounded by eroded
lands by planting more shrubbery and
brush along them, in an effort to curate
a more enjoyable walking experience
along these popular natural corridors. In
addition, we feel that additional seating,
most notably along the southern paths,
can help provide more opportunities for
park users to enjoy the landscape.

55
“Play can have social,
cognitive, and emotional
benefits at all stages in a
person’s life.”
“A PEOPLE’S PLAYGROUND:”
PLAY FOR ALL AGES
It is commonly recognized that play is a
fundamental aspect of childhood development.
Less emphasized are the social, cognitive, and
emotional benefits1
of play at all stages of life.
Certain essential characteristics of play do not
change regardless of your age. Play as we
understand it “is a multifaceted experience”2
which typically includes intrinsic motivation,
freedom of choice, pleasure, imagination, and
active engagement.3
Time and space for play,
pleasure, and recreation, as well as exposure to
nature and fresh air, are all important aspects of
a high quality of life and can meaningfuly impact
health.4
In this report, we propose design and
programming solutions to improve the
opportunities for play in Fort Greene Park for
people of all ages and abilities and which we
hope will contribute to the well-being of all
consituencies.

INTRODUCTION
VISION VALUES
We envision Fort Greene Park as a “people’s
playground,” offering a variety of ways for
children and adults to have a stimulating sensory
experience, complete with exhilarating,
imaginative, and essentially social forms of
physical and social play.
Our design and programming proposals are
grounded in the vital connection between the
park and Fort Greene’s rich cultural and
historical legacy, as well as values of equity,
balance, accessibility, safety, sustainability,
engagement, stewardship, and appreciation of
nature.

56
BUILDING ON
STRENGTHS
Fort Greene Park in Winter Sledding by Mitchell J. Silver
While the steep hills and
topography of the park
present some challenges,
we think it is possible to
work with and make use of
this landscape.
¡¡ expansive natural landscape
¡¡ rich and diverse history of
the neighborhood
¡¡ proximity to arts and
cultural institutions
¡¡ strong sense of ownership
neighborhood residents
feel for the park
¡¡ muliti functionality for
passive and active recreation;
seasonal uses

57
¡¡ imbalance in design and use
between different areas of
the park and by different
constituencies; segregated
use by race
¡¡ Northwest corner, Myrtle
Avenue edge, and Northeast
entrance lack coherence
with the landscape, topography,
infrastructure, and
maintenance of the rest of the
park; less active play and social
activity on the Northside in the
barbecue off season
CHALLENGES
IDENTIFIED

58
¡¡ interrupted by a major
circulation route
¡¡ no adequate buffer zones
between essential activities
The Northwest corner feels like a “collection
of distinct objects” not a “total composition
experienced by moving through it.”5
PLAYGROUND
CHALLENGES
The playground in the northwest corner of the
park is interrupted by a major pedestrian route,
used to get to nearby transportation. In addition,
this heavily used path transects this playground’s
water feature, presenting problems for parents
who do not have an adequate buffer zone to
protect their children.

59
The departure from Olmstead and Vaux’s original
design for the northwest corner as a grand open
plaza has created what feels more like a
“collection of distinct objects,”5
essentially
making the playgrounds of Fort Greene Park
“internally focused facilities”6
that do not reflect
the unprogrammed naturalistic style and flexibility
of space popular in the rest of the park. Safety
barriers reinforce this disconnect with the natural
landscape, though concerns that had led to
their ubiquity have been shown to be largely
unfounded.7
The formulaic jungle gym and use of
hard and unwelcoming materials limit exploration
and opportunities for creative and sensory social
play.
Many of us are aware of increased concerns
about high rates of obesity and sedentary lives of
American children. The increasingly “programmed
indoor existence”8
of many NYC kids (and adults),
and their disconnection from nature is a
detriment to their social, emotional, and
physical health, and promoting an active and
outdoor lifestyle would be to their benefit.
CURRENT PLAYGROUND:
“internally
focused facilities”6
ALTERNATIVES:
create soft boundaries with plantings and low barriers that maintain connection to park
design can reflect and connect to topography
seating &
low barrier
Washington Square Park Playground with less physical barriers9
East 110th Street Playground, Central Park10
playgrounds don’t reflect the park landscape, nature, sensory,
and social play in a natural context

60
¡¡ incorporates physical
& social play, both of which
improve health, and well being
¡¡ opportunity for manipulation &
stimulation of the senses
¡¡ opportunity for exploration,
observation, & imagination
¡¡ connects users to nature
and landscape
MULTIFACETED PLAY EXPERIENCES
Kids’ Trek. Photo credit: Ingrid Barrentine11
Natural Playscape/ Aires de Jeux Naturelles14
PLAY[ground] for Vivid Sydney, 201512 Double Dutch Aerobics in Fort Greene Park13
Bernard Family Playground in Central Park15

61
SITE PLAN
Multi-Purpose Plaza,
Lawns, & Inviting Program
Public Art & Play Space Basketball & Multi-Use
Courts
New Designed
Full Playground
Seasonal Water Feature,
Roller Skating, etc.
Slides Additional Playscapes in
Nature & Learning Areas
Health & Wellness
“Play” Space
Hillside Picnic/Barbecue
Coves (off season uses)
Greenway, New Seating,
& Bike Lane (Myrtle only)
Food Vendors
N100 meters
EXERCISE
STATION
lively multi-purpose community space
1 2 4
5 6 7 8
9 10
3
exercise
station
2
1
3
5
6
7
4
8
9
7
1
1
1010
2
10
10

62
Myrtle Avenue Sidewalk Redesign
¾¾ New seating allocation and softscaping create sociable sidewalk
¾¾ Protected bike lanes and maintained crosswalks encourage
alternative transportation and protect pedestrians
¾¾ Sidewalks become a greenway featuring bioswales and perenial
plantings; aethetic as well as environmental value; extend to
streets between Ingersoll, Whitman, and both sides of Myrtle
North Lawn Area
¾¾ Newly designed playground; picnic and barbecue coves
¾¾ Slide attraction utilizing the hilly landscape offers thrilling play for all ages
Northeast Entrance Redesign
¾¾ Widened staircase, new ramps, and multi-use plaza create an inviting space that reflects Frederick Law Olmsted and Clavert Vaux’s original design
¾¾ Greater pedestrian access increases circulation with Myrtle Avenue
¡¡ be a vibrant community park with
programs at entrances that
are visible from the street
Willoughby Street Accessible Entrance & Health Connection
¾¾ Ramps make the north side of the park more accessible
¾¾ Utilize the void space behing the hospital to create connections between a
health institutuion and the park; function as wellness zone and hub for
triangulation of exercise, nutrition, mental health and wellness activities
DESIGN FOR MULTI-PURPOSE COMMUNITY SPACE
¡¡ incorporate programming of
spaces that reflect diverse
cultures and identities
¡¡ design and manage infrastructure
to meet the full range of
community needs
10
8
4
9
52
2
9
Central Park Dance Skaters Association16
Patrick Dougherty’s Stick Sculpture,
Olympia Children’s Museum17

63
¡¡ teen and adult
intramural programming
¡¡ foster positive social interaction;
enhance opportunities for
intergenerational recreation
3
A’beckett Urban Square Melbourne, Australia22
Below: Lawn on D, Boston, By Anthony Flint21
Above: PPS - Activating space with games20
QUALITY PROGRAMS &FACILITIES
SERVING THE COMMUNITY
¡¡ incorporate play equipment
that limits barriers and
enhances park accessibility
¡¡ prioritize age targeted
programming not just based on
interest but also varied
physical abilities
¡¡ create programming that is
accessible and engaging for
single parents and grand-
parents, as well as paid
childcare providers at
varied times
¡¡ equity in recreational facilities;
enhancements to basketball
facilities to include an
additional multi-use court
The democratic function of Fort Greene Park is
fundamentally to serve offer space for diverse
groups of people to interact, to gather, to
exchange ideas, information, culture, and to
experience the many benefits of open green
space and playful recreation. Fort Greene Park
should strive to maximize equity and access in
park infrastructure, limit barriers to use or
exclusion in design or management, and create
a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for
diverse user through programming and the built
environment.
32% of all Walt Whitman Houses households
are composed of a single parent or grandparents
with children. Additionally, no less that 15% of
residents in the NYCHA developments within
walking distance of Fort Greene Park are single
seniors and this population is increasing rapidly.
In both cases, Fort Greene Park and the Fort
Greene Park Conservancy should tailor programs
to meet the needs of these core constituencies
currently underutilizing the park for play and
recreation.
equitable
facilities
accessibility
proactive
outreach
to diverse
users
T he Seagull is a “sympathe tic” swing: a c hild
of sp e cial needs c an sit on one swing seat and
automatic ally swings by the movement and
pumping of the c hild on the other seat .19
Above: East 110th Street Playground,
Central Park;18
Below: City of Cambridge
Playground (Universal Design)191 4

64
Park
Design &
Infrastructure
¡¡ the hill is an iconic asset; utilize
topography for programming and
play structures
¡¡ play spaces in nature allow for
exploration and activate the senses,
and benefit social, emotional, and
physical health at all ages
74 6
¡¡ maximizing opportunities to learn
about nature and the environmment
¡¡ developing the next generation of
park stewards
9
Plikta Park, Gothenburg, Sweden - Courtesy of Elizabeth Dunker/ FineLittleDay.com24
INTEGRATED WITH
THE LANDSCAPE
NATURE PLAY
& URBAN
SUSTAINABILITY
LAB23
¡¡ promoting an environmental ethic
¡¡ teaching about sustainability and
practicing these methods in park
design and maintenance
See Chapter Endnotes for photo
credits for Nature Play & Urban
Sustainability Lab23

65
RELAXATION &
PLAY
1 2 7 9 10
21 Balançoires (21 Swings) from Daily Tous Les
Jours - A Public Art Installation31
Ne t ting s truc ture 3 0
PUBLIC ART &
POP UP PLAY
Recycled Cardboard Elephant,
Nituniyo, Valencia Spain25
5
¡¡ art objects incoporated into play
space, adding an aesthetic element
and intrigue
¡¡ utilize the walls, plaza, and park
landscapes for temporary
installations to the park as
a public space
¡¡ relaxing space for people of all ages
¡¡ simple use of netting and other
temporary materials can
be playful and engaging
¡¡ art may engage us in
conversation as a community
¡¡ temporary progamming allows
testing of ideas and encourages
commmunity input
Giant Doodling Slate on Pedestrian Only Stretch of
Paris’ Left Bank, Cultural Activity Hub26
Primary Structure, Wanås Foundation by artist Jacob
Dahlgren27
Héctor Esrawe & Ignacio Cadena,
Mi Casa-Your Casa, Sifly Piazza,
Atlanta28
Jessica Sanders, Ground, Flow.14 Art and Music at
Randall’s Island Nov 201429

66
PUBLIC ART & PLAY
¡¡ arts, music, and culture
¡¡ activate spaces
¡¡ foster community and welcome
El Museo’s Annual Block Party35
¡¡ invite community partners to
create exciting arts
programming & make Fort
Greene Park the ‘stage’
ARTS,
MUSIC, DANCE,
& DIVERSE
CULTURES
1 5
Make Music Day in Balboa Park, San Diego, CA33
Mesa Musical Shadows Interactive
Pavement, Mesa Arts Centre, Arizona by
DailyTous Les Jours34
Jeremy Plays Guitar Band, Fort Greene Park (reimagined in proposed
hillside picnic coves)32

67
¡¡ acknowledge the history of
Fort Greene, including rapid
gentrification and the dynamic
of a divided community and
park
SHARING
HISTORY &
MAKING
MEMORIES
1 10 5
C orona Youth Music Proje c t in
C orona Plaza, Queens 3 6
78 th Stree t Play Stree t, Rodrigo
Salazar 3 7
T he Uni Proje c t, Make A Plac e For Learning -
C orona Plaza, Queens 3 9
¡¡ foster community through story
telling and seek out many
voices
¡¡ celebrate cultural assets and
the legacy of African American
artists, musicians, writers,
and neighborhood activists
For t Green Park Pic nic Table s
C atc h the Dragon’s Tail Ac tivit y - Leader ship
D evelopment 3 8

68
¡¡ foster volunteer leadership
¡¡ proactively seek out community
input
¡¡ install positive and inviting
wayfinding and signage
STEWARDSHIP,
VOLUNTEERISM,
& WELCOME
¡¡ engage with local
community organizations
¡¡ build strategic partnerships
with local cultural and arts
organziations
¡¡ explore collaboration with area
secondary schools like
Brooklyn Technical High School
¡¡ experiment and innovate
Seward Park Audubon Center Volunteers40
- Community Roots RestorationCentral Park Conservancy Discovery Programs41

69
PLAY: CITATIONS AND PHOTO CREDITS
1
“Play in the Park | Play Today | Plan for Play,” accessed January 27, 2017, http://planforplay.org/play_today/play_in_the_park.php.
2
Ibid.
3
Ibid.
4
Nov 04, 2015 | Harry J. Heiman, and Samantha Artiga, “Beyond Health Care: The Role of Social Determinants in Promoting Health and Health Equity,” accessed January 27, 2017, http://kff.org/disparities-policy/
issue-brief/beyond-health-care-the-role-of-social-determinants-in-promoting-health-and-health-equity/; “Social Determinants of Health,” Wikipedia, August 9, 2016, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Social_
determinants_of_health&oldid=733736169; Norman Sartorius, “The Meanings of Health and Its Promotion,” Croatian Medical Journal 47, no. 4 (August 2006): 662–64; Brian L. Cole and Jonathan E. Fielding, “Health
Impact Assessment: A Tool to Help Policy Makers Understand Health Beyond Health Care,” Annual Review of Public Health 28, no. 1 (April 2007): 393–412, doi:10.1146/annurev.publhealth.28.083006.131942.
5
“Introduction | Planning for Play | Plan for Play,” accessed January 27, 2017, http://planforplay.centralparknyc.org/planning_for_play/introduction.php.
6
Ibid.
7
Hanna Rosin, “The Overprotected Kid,” The Atlantic, April 2014, http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/04/hey-parents-leave-those-kids-alone/358631/; “Dispelled Kidnap Myths Do Little to Allay Parents’
Fears,” The Denver Post, November 27, 2010, http://www.denverpost.com/2010/11/27/dispelled-kidnap-myths-do-little-to-allay-parents-fears/; “We’re All Agoraphobics Now,” Washington Post, accessed January 26,
2017, https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/01/30/were-all-agoraphobics-now/; Lenore Skenazy, “A Parent’s Nightmare—Increasingly Unlikely,” Wall Street Journal, June 20, 2016, sec. Opinion,
http://www.wsj.com/articles/a-parents-nightmareincreasingly-unlikely-1466465122.
8
“Play in the Park | Play Today | Plan for Play.”
9
Manhattan Media, “Playground Pick: Central Park’s East 110th Street Playground,” Http://Www.newyorkfamily.com, accessed January 27, 2017, http://www.newyorkfamily.com/playground-central-parks-east-110th-
street-playground/.
10
Manhattan Media, “Playground Pick: Central Park’s East 110th Street Playground,” Http://Www.newyorkfamily.com, accessed January 27, 2017, http://www.newyorkfamily.com/playground-central-parks-east-110th-
street-playground/.
11
“Kids_Trek_boy_in_rope_tunnel_Ingrid_Barrentine.jpg (3204×2132),” accessed January 27, 2017, https://www.pmap.co/c/56f986bb/images/article/8744/Kids_Trek_boy_in_rope_tunnel_Ingrid_Barrentine.jpg.
12
“PLAY[ground] for Vivid Sydney, 2015,” Playscapes, November 9, 2015, http://www.play-scapes.com/play-design/contemporary-design/playground-for-vivid-sydney-2015/.
13
“Double Dutch Aerobics Sweeps Fort Greene Bringing Childlike Joy to Exercise,” DNAinfo New York, accessed January 27, 2017, https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20130717/fort-greene/double-dutch-aerobics-
sweeps-fort-greene-bringing-childlike-joy-exercise.
14
LesKidz, “Natural Playscape/ Aires de Jeux Naturelles,” Les Kidz, June 23, 2016, http://www.leskidzsf.com/2016/06/23/natural-playscape/.
15
“Plan for Play | The Harlem Meer Landscape Slideshow | Bernard Family Playground,” accessed January 27, 2017, http://planforplay.centralparknyc.org/slideshows/the_harlem_meer_landscape/bernard_family_
playground_5.php.
16
“Central Park Dance Skaters Association — CPDSA,” Central Park Dance Skaters Association — CPDSA, accessed January 27, 2017, http://cpdsa.org/.
17
“Patrick Dougherty Stick Sculpture, Olympia Children’s Museum, 2014,” Playscapes, April 13, 2015, http://www.play-scapes.com/play-design/natural-playgrounds/patrick-dougherty-stick-sculpture-olympia-childrens-
museum-2014/.
18
“Plan for Play | The Harlem Meer Landscape Slideshow | East 110th Street Playground,” accessed January 27, 2017, http://planforplay.centralparknyc.org/slideshows/the_harlem_meer_landscape/east_110th_street_
playground_6.php.
19
“18. Inclusive Playground for All Kids,” City of Cambridge Participatory Budgeting, accessed January 27, 2017, http://pb.cambridgema.gov/udplayground.
20
“Lighter Quicker Cheaper,” Great Public Spaces, accessed January 27, 2017, https://www.pps.org/places/lqc/; “Activating-the-Space-with-chess1-1024x683.jpg (1024×683),” accessed January 27, 2017, https://
pkdf0tgenk-flywheel.netdna-ssl.com/places/files/2015/09/Activating-the-space-with-chess1-1024x683.jpg.
21
“BostonPlayground.jpg (678×696),” accessed January 27, 2017, http://i0.wp.com/daytoncollaboratory.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/BostonPlayground.jpg.
22
Ibid.
23
“12BOTANIC4-master1050.jpg (1050×767),” accessed January 27, 2017, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2015/06/12/arts/12BOTANIC4/12BOTANIC4-master1050.jpg; Worldview, “Global Activism: Teaching Kids
About the Environment,” WBEZ, accessed January 27, 2017, https://www.wbez.org/shows/worldview/global-activism-teaching-kids-about-the-environment/225ba4b6-bcfd-4ee9-b098-b7ca781b4a39; “Engaging
Children in STEM Education EARLY! | Natural Start,” accessed January 27, 2017, http://naturalstart.org/feature-stories/engaging-children-stem-education-early; I. Was Always Interested in Meditation et al., “Eight
Spiritual Qualities to Learn from Small Children,” The Spiritual Indian, October 10, 2015, http://www.thespiritualindian.com/spiritual-qualities-to-learn-from-children/.
24
Lauren Wade, “Recess Just Got a Lot More Fun: 15 of the World’s Most Amazing Playgrounds,” TakePart, accessed January 27, 2017, http://www.takepart.com/photos/worlds-most-amazing-playgrounds.
25
“Recycled Cardboard Elephant, Nituniyo, Valencia Spain, 2015,” Playscapes, March 9, 2016, http://www.play-scapes.com/play-design/contemporary-design/recycled-cardboard-elephant/.
26
Maggie Gorman, “Paris Opens Pedestrian-Only Stretch of the Left Bank,” Fodor’s, June 25, 2013, http://www.fodors.com/news/paris-opens-pedestrianonly-stretch-of-the-left-bank-6889.
27
“Primary Structure, Wanås Foundation 2011 — Jacob Dahlgren,” accessed January 27, 2017, http://www.jacobdahlgren.com/?p=6280.
28
“Mi Casa-Your Casa - News - Domus,” Domusweb.it, accessed January 27, 2017, http://www.domusweb.it/en/news/2014/07/29/mi_casa_your_casa.html.
29
“Art in the Parks Current Exhibitions : New York City Department of Parks & Recreation : NYC Parks,” accessed January 27, 2017, https://www.nycgovparks.org/art/art409.
30
“Landscape Architecture : Photo,” accessed January 27, 2017, http://landscape-a-design.tumblr.com/image/109631098259.
31
“Play Sweet, Sweet Music Using 21 Musical Swings In This Public Art Installation,” The Creators Project, accessed January 27, 2017, http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/en_uk/blog/play-sweet-sweet-music-using-
21-musical-swings-in-this-public-art-installation.
32
Fort Greene Focus, Jeremy Plays Guitar, photo, June 4, 2012, https://www.flickr.com/photos/fort-greene/7336831682/.
33
“Make-Music-Day.jpg (3000×1996),” accessed January 27, 2017, http://www.bloggazwithattitude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/make-music-day.jpg.
34
“Mesa Musical Shadows | Daily Tous Les Jours,” accessed January 27, 2017, http://www.dailytouslesjours.com/project/mesa-musical-shadows/.
35
“El Museo’s Annual Block Party and the Museum Mile Festival,” Harlem Trends | Harlem, New York City, June 11, 2013, http://harlemtrends.com/2013/06/el-museos-annual-block-party-and-the-museum-mile-
festival/.
36
“Make Music New York,” accessed January 27, 2017, http://www.makemusicny.org/gallery/photos/.
37
“Come Out and Play! Musicians and Performers Wanted for 78th Street Play Street,” Jackson Heights Beautification Group, April 10, 2015, http://www.jhbg.org/2015/04/09/come-out-and-play-musicians-and-
performers-wanted-for-78th-street-play-street.
38
“Nycdot,” The Uni Project, February 7, 2013, https://www.theuniproject.org/about/share/nycdot/.
39
“Five Fun Games from Around the World,” InCultureParent, accessed January 27, 2017, http://www.incultureparent.com/2012/09/five-fun-games-from-around-the-world/.
40
“Community Roots Restoration,” Seward Park Audubon Center, December 22, 2015, http://sewardpark.audubon.org/programs/community-roots-restoration.
41
Central Park Conservancy, “Discovery Programs,” accessed January 27, 2017, http://www.centralparknyc.org/about/programs/discovery-programs.html.

71
Outdoor fitness, where the natural
setting encourages repeated use, helps
create a healthier, happier society.
building a robust
fort greene park
Park Users Are Active
When asked, “What activities or
events would make Fort Greene
Park more enjoyable for you,” 14%
of survey respondents mentioned,OBJECTIVES
“exercise” in their response.
building equity
across gender
Fort Greene Park is an active park known for
attracting fitness enthusiasts, non-professional
leagues, and intramural teams from local
schools including neighboring Brooklyn
Tech. However, surveys and observational
studies revealed women and seniors are
an underserved constituency in terms of
equipment usage and programming.

72
Exercise area (dominated by men)
Basketball Court (dominated by men)
Jogging/Walking/Monument
Stairs (mixed use)
Open Lawn (mixed use)
Tennis Courts (mixed use)

73
- Install multiple fitness destinations
adjacent to well-used jogging path
- New stretch- and toning-focused
stations encourage walking, running or
jogging from station to station, providing
organized cross-training opportunities
- Destinations offer new areas
for potential socialization
accessible
equipment proposals
A sizeable population of seniors are
represented in Area 1, however surveys
and observational studies revealed seniors
participated in more passive than active
uses. Two NYCHA housing developments
and a senior citizen residence are adjacent
to Area 1. Chronic illness like heart
disease and obesity disproportionately
affect low-income populations,
including those in public housing.
Promoting regular, accessible physical
activity is a public health priority. Currently,
an exercise station is adjacent to the
basketball court, often predominantly
occupied by younger men. Its small size
limits the number of people who use
it simultaneously. In addition, its close
proximity to the incredibly busy diagonal
thoroughfare through the northwest corner
of the park may present an impediment
to some users. Fort Greene Park can be
a catalyst to promoting physical activity
among community members, starting with
making available more accessible fitness
equipment and targeted programming.

74
- Senior & Mommy Boot Camps
promoting early morning exercise
targeted at unique needs
- Tai Chi, Stretching, and Toning Classes
to promote holistic muscle development
- Walking Clubs and Laughing Clubs for
Seniors offer low impact movement
while encouraging social interaction
and community engagement
Sunrise and Sunset Yoga for all skill
levels can provide balance, flexibility,
and improved mental well-being
equitable exercise
opportunities for all groups

75
- Rope Course and Wall Climbing
for Adults and Children, promoting
strength, balance, and agility utilizing
Fort Greene Park’s unique topography
- Kids Only Ice Skating at
the Northwest Entrance Plaza
- Beach Volleyball in the “dust bowl”
- Volleyball as a mixed use
of the tennis courts
- BMX track using jogging trail
around park perimeter
- Giant Twister and other physically
active games on the lawns

77
GOALS
As our behavior mapping identified the
northeast and southwest areas of the park
as the most underutilized, we hope to bring
a level of activation there that can attract
new audiences to the park and encourage an
interaction between its diverse community
members, who are currently the highest
proportion of park users. Concessions
and vendor programming also offer an
opportunity to showcase neighborhood
small business, such as those emerging
on Myrtle Ave., to their local audience.

78
ACHIEVING BALANCE
THROUGH STRATEGIC
ACTIVATION
By introducing universally attractive
and Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper (LQC)
features or flexibly installed amenities
on a short-term basis, formal events
and informal activities can develop
into annual festivals and permanent
amenities based on public response.

79
As such, this corridor of presents neutral
territory in which underutilized space
can become a catalyst for attracting
new users to the park, as well as
bring returning users to new areas of
the park, foster new interactions and
a greater sense of community.TARGET AREAS

80
NORTH EAST
PLAZA
The addition of a water feature (refer to north
east entrance proposal) in this corner can
act as a visible attraction to the surrounding
neighborhood, inviting their participation in
programming taking place there when the
feature is turned off, such as locally-focused
flea and holiday markets or a relocated and
expanded version of the already popular Fort
Greene Greenmarket -- a common request
among surveyed park users. Welcoming
art installations and mobile food vendors
create an inviting environment at this
underused entryway while terraced rock
seating and coved barbeque pits integrated
into the landscape can provide casual picnic
space that remains flexible year-round.

82
SOUTH WEST
GARDEN
Here we hope to turn what is now an empty
knoll and vacant wall into a serene garden
destination by introducing a community-
centric mural, rotating sculpture and lighting
installations, (refer to southwest entrance
proposal) and an educational Discovery
garden, to be seasonally emptied and
distributed to volunteers and youth in the
community. In addition, food trucks can be
invited at the St. Edwards & Willoughby
entrance during lunch hours or events taking
place in the newly opened northwest plaza,
as rock formations and more terraced seating
in this southern section can provide a quiet
or more private setting for attendees of
those functions to socialize or take a meal.

84
MONUMENT
Already an important focal point and popular
gathering place, the monument plaza has
ample open hardscape to accommodate
programming from day to night and
year-round, including movie screenings,
international food festivals, and pop-up beach
lounges, giving the diverse members of this
community even more reasons to interact.

86
SEASONS
Through a variety of active and passive
use combinations, we see Fort Greene
Park transitioning from summer to
winter and everything in between with
programming and events for all seasons
celebrating the many cultures of the
community -- bringing together neighbors,
local vendors, and park-lovers alike.

90
1. Entrance Conditions
2. Landscaping & Circulation
3. Play
4. Fitness
5. Strategic Activation
These five interlocking Parks Without
Borders recommendations aim to improve
Fort Greene Park’s entrance conditions,
enhance its already beloved natural
landscaping, and encourage play and fitness
activities suitable for all ages and abilities,
using strategic programming and universally
attractive amenities, such as food and art,
to keep interactions among the diverse
members of the Fort Greene community
going throughout the year. Of course,
none of these ideas can achieve success
without proper support and management
-- with a special attention to infrastructure
maintenance -- on the part of the NYC
Department of Parks and Recreation, as
well as the help of the dedicated volunteers
of the Fort Greene Park Conservancy
.
We highly recommend developing lasting
partnerships with local organizations like
the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project,
Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn
Arts Council, and Brooklyn Tech and Long
Island University campuses. The support
and possible programming opportunities
presented by such relationships would
display a genuine commitment to community
building -- maximizing the potential of this
well-loved neighborhood green space
to improve quality of life for all current
and future residents of Fort Greene
and its surrounding neighborhoods.
CONCLUSIONS

91
The proposed placemaking recommendations are
collective responses to the data gathered based
from user interviews, behavioral mapping and
intercept surveys. These cover maintenance,
programming and design improvements in
order to create a balanced activation in all
areas of the park. Focus areas were based on
developing the park’s highlights which are:
- Park’s size, space and multifunctionality
- Natural landscape features and
overall feeling of serenity
- Fitness, sports and active play
- Improvement of existing amenities such
as equipment, seating and lighting
- Introduction of strategic programming such as
food, entertainment and children’s programs
- Overall community spirit and historical highlight
MASTERPLAN

92
In order to properly implement many of
the aforementioned recommendations,
expected park-wide improvements should
be made. The following capital projects
have been identified from public response
and observed need and would greatly
increase the safety, accessibility, and overall
comfort of the Fort Greene Park user.
CAPITAL PROJECT
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Regrading of “dust bowl”
(and other erosion control and
stormwater runoff measures)
- Improved quality and increased
hours of security lighting throughout park
- ADA ramp installation at St.
Edwards and Willoughby entrance
- Resurfacing of thoroughly
cracked, truck bearing hardscape
- Addition of wayfinding signs
and water fountains wherever possible

97
AREA 1
MONDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

98
AREA 2
MONDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

99
AREA 3
MONDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

100
AREA 4
MONDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

101
AREA 5
MONDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

102
AREA 1
TUESDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

103
AREA 2
TUESDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

104
AREA 3
TUESDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

105
AREA 4
TUESDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

106
AREA 5
TUESDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

107
AREA 1
WEDNESDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

108
AREA 2
WEDNESDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

109
AREA 3
WEDNESDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

110
AREA 4
WEDNESDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

111
AREA 5
WEDNESDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

112
AREA 1
FRIDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

113
AREA 2
FRIDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

114
AREA 3
FRIDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

115
AREA 4
FRIDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

116
AREA 5
FRIDAY
7-10am
10-1pm
1-3pm
3-6pm
6-9pm

118
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
PER NUMBER OF USERS

119
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
PER DAY

120
TOTAL SUMMARY OF
ACTIVITIES

138
ENTRANCES
COUNTS
Entering
Exiting
October 3rd 2016
8:00pm - 8:30pm

139
ENTRANCES
COUNTS
Entering
Exiting
October 4th 2016
3:00pm - 3:30pm

140
ENTRANCES
COUNTS
Entering
Exiting
October 14th 2016
5:00pm - 5:30pm

141
ENTRANCES
COUNTS
Entering
Exiting
October 15th 2016
9:00am - 9:30am

142
ENTRANCES
COUNTS
Entering
Exiting
September 15th 2016
6:00pm - 6:30pm

143
ENTRANCES
COUNTS
Entering
Exiting
September 29th 2016
9:00pm - 9:30pm

145
62%
16%
3%
11%
8%
42%
11%
10%
9%
3%
3%
3%
2%
17%
26%
74%
53%
18%
22%
7%

146
34%
19%10%
37%
31%
20%
32%
9%
2% 6%
What time of the day do you usually visit the park?
55%
41%
3%
1%

147
61%20%
19%
No, I don't recognize
anyone here right now
No, not today, but I
often recognize people
here
Yes, I recognize people
here today who I did not
plan to meet

Fort Greene Park: Analysis of Space (Brooklyn, New York City - 2016

Fort Greene Park: Analysis of Space (Brooklyn, New York City - 2016

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