Planters Grove Park Coming to Lillian Wald Houses

The Lower East Side isn’t exactly known for its abundance of open park space.  Ambitious projects like the recently-proposed “Low Line” (nay, Delancey Underground) aim to change this.  And today brings word of another green improvement, this time in the NYCHA’s Lillian Wald Community on Avenue D.

Snack food company Planters is reportedly behind the effort.  From the inbox:

In partnership with NYCHA (New York City Housing Authority) and Green City Force (local nonprofit giving urban youth green collar job training), Planters is opening a new park on the Lower East Side – a neighborhood New Yorkers for Parks named one of the key Manhattan areas still lacking adequate open space. Designed by Smith (he did the MoMA rooftop garden, East River Waterfront Esplanade and 7 World Trade Center Plaza) featuring sustainable elements, the park – named a Planters Grove – is the third being built this year as part of Planters “Naturally Remarkable” tour transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant, welcoming green parks for urban neighborhoods. Previous Planters Groves were built in Washington, D.C. and New Orleans.

According to the press release, the park will launch with an opening ceremony on Monday with local dignitaries. Garden planting will follow shortly thereafter.  Full event information below:

Monday, October 3
9:30 a.m.: Media Call Time
10:00 a.m.: Short Remarks (including U.S. Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez, New York City Councilwoman Rosie Méndez, NYCHA Chairman John Rhea and NYCHA Commissioner Margarita Lopez)
Community planting immediately follows
Where: Lillian Wald Houses, Avenue D and 5^th Street