The Elmhurst Sculpture Garden is a space located near the Queens commercial area. It is currently vacant and misrepresents the talent, culture and diversity of the local community.
Left to right: The empty lot lacks seating arrangements, garbage intertwined. The gray area is an opportunity to showcase the local artists and their talent.
Image credit: Google Maps, Valery Zorilla
The current conditions of the land show the dire need for improvement and restoration. The land is being used but not to its maximum potential. A broken fence is shown, with footsteps creating a pathway in the snow imprinted by pedestrians (left). Bins full of snow, random chairs and sporadic trees occupy the space, distorting the proper use of the space (right).
Image Credit: Valery Zorilla
The Impact of Green Spaces in Elmhurst
The average amount of physical activity in the Elmhurst Community (69%) is lower than the average of NYC. The amount of green spaces in District 14 of the Queens community is significantly lower, than the entire city of New York. Making use of this space will bring equity and overall improvement of health for Elmhurst residents.
Source: NYC Department of City Planning PLUTO Dataset (2018) Data2GoHealth.nyc
Community Outreach
A survey was distributed in order to place the voice of the Elmhurst Community on display. Local members of the community stated the following excerpts;
“this is a residential neighborhood but looks like a service stop on a highway which is NOT representative of the people and culture of this community”
Enriching the empty space with colorful paint, proper seating arrangements and artwork such as a mural can add liveliness that accurately represents the vibrant community.
Image credits: Pinterest, Rachelrodi.com
Small spaces are no limits for green spaces. The Ford Foundation Atrium Garden and Creative Little Garden (Above) feature outdoor decor vines and a pond with limited space. 6&B Garden and the Carmen Pabon del Amanecer Jardin (below)
