End of Year Letter 2005

Dear Friend,

Since 1999 we've been growing the Friends of Brook Park spectrum of activities and events. From community gardening to canoe paddling, bike tours and indigenous culture tipi ritual opportunities, we have offered meaningful opportunities for deep connections with the environment and with each other.

This year, with your support, we have reached a critical watermark -------- advocating for over $1,000,000 in the city Parks budget to revitalize our park by removing the asphalt and increasing the greenery, with a natural labyrinth, fruit tree grove, daylighted brook and outdoor classroom. (http://friendsofbrookpark.org/design.html)


But our efforts don't end there. After a series of community design meetings in partnership with New Yorkers for Parks, we are setting our sites to create a new public access and launch site on the Harlem River. (http://www.ny4p.org/advocacy/june29_enews.php)

Of course, Friends of Brook Park's work isn't limited to creating more open space. We are also growing into the third year of our Community Supported Agriculture project with Just Food and For a Better Bronx that brings farm fresh organic food to our South Bronx community. (http://friendsofbrookpark.org/sbcsa)

Our Environmental Education programs have provided hands-on physical activities access for hundreds of students from local schools such as PS 179, MS 220 and 222 and PS 30. Our Green Team mentoring program with Community School for Social Justice continues in it's fifth semester of focused attention for teens.

With our newly opened community strorefront space along the Art & Antique Row, the 2500 sq.ft. Green Corner/Rincon Verde will serve as a meeting place for long-time residents and new-comers alike, to channel and synergize creative energies for expanded programming possibilities.

We are confident that the interest and momentum we've helped to create over the years has effected a holistic change in many peoples' lives that benefits us all. News articles in the New York Times, New York Newsday, New York Press, The Sun and television reports indicate that our energy and efforts are recognized as vital. But we can't do it alone.


Donate securely online now, or mail in a contribution today! (http://friendsofbrookpark.org)

Your contribution to FoBP also brings you email notices and information on a whole range of interesting, educational events, from dig your hands in the Earth volunteer days, to Raw Food workshops, to holistic retreats in Mexico.

I urge you to be as generous as you can.

Sincerely,

Harry J. Bubbins, Director/Founder
Friends of Brook Park