Friends of Douglass/Greene Park Await Redesign Plans

At Douglass/Greene Park, benches and chess tables under English Plane trees provide shade and a comfortable lunch spot for nearby workers and locals. A playground and basketball courts gives teens and kids a place to hang out. A pool, which faced imminent closure this summer but was saved with the help of the Friends of Douglass/Greene Park, provides residents with a place to cool off.

The park, situated between Boerum Hill, Gowanus, Park Slope and Carroll Gardens, is the only public outdoor space in the area, and residents are working hard to make sure it's the best it can be.

The Friends of Douglass/Greene Park is a group of 12 board members with hundreds of supporters. The non-profit successfully lobbied local elected officials last Spring for funds to help pay for a park redesign, and are seeking donations from the community to provide programs at the park.

"We need to keep the park on peoples minds," said Sue Wolfe, President of the Friends of Douglass/Greene Park. Two million dollars is needed for the complete park redesign, with $900,000 having already been provided through the offices of Borough President Marty Markowitz and Council Members and Stephen Levin. Fundraising events are being planned in the winter and spring.

While the Friends wait for the Parks Department to unveil its comprehensive design plan, changes are already starting to take place. The park benches and tables were recently painted light pastel colors by volunteers and the Tony Hawk Foundation has pledged $10,000 for the installation of skate park elements.

"It became apparent from neighborhood people that a skate park was sorely needed," said Wolfe. "It will help keep the kids occupied."

Indeed, on a recent sunny afternoon Charles Guex, 20, was skateboarding at the park.

"I don't know any other spots around here to hang out," he said, adding that he hopes the park gets repaved and leveled because "everytime it rains, there's a lake."

Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey said the Parks and Recreation department is currently in the design process, and hopes to present plans to the Community Board in December or January. District Manager Craig Hammerman says when the design is available, the board will provide the public with the opportunity to review the plans and give comments.

The redesign will include a new playground, lots of new plantings and an improved sitting area.

Urban parks are necessary to the health of communities, said Valerie Hudson, 46, who works near the park.

"It's a beautiful thing," she said. "To be able to come outside and enjoy the fresh air."