Newly completed play area at soon to be reopened Westside Park, Paterson, NJ.

This week you may be hearing buzz about “Climate Week”, the world's largest annual gathering focused on tackling our changing climate. Of course, in our communities, extreme weather is an everyday concern. After a summer of heat and intense rainfall, forecasters predict a super El Nino with severe storms this winter. 

At New City Parks, we know that urban parks are an essential frontline climate solution, and we are building them to provide neighborhoods with protections needed in these times. 

In October, we will cut the ribbon on the first phase of Westside Park, NCP’s largest park to date. It not only is going to be a beautiful community space, but it will also serve as a prime example of how parks are critical city infrastructure. A couple of weeks ago, the newly installed features were put to the test during heavy rainstorms that caused flooding and we’re proud to say it stood up to the test. Some of the key climate infrastructure features of the new park include:  

• A rain garden added in a low-lying area to capture and absorb rainfall. 
• A new pathway network made from permeable pavement and a net reduction of impermeable surfaces to let water soak into the ground. 
• 265 new trees and many new shrubs to provide shade, anchor wet ground, and soak up rainwater. 

Stormwater management is a key feature across our entire portfolio. From a basketball court in Mount Vernon that will feature stormwater capture and drainage improvements to benefit the whole neighborhood to a new schoolyard in Jersey City that has been redesigned to resolve drainage issues that have repeatedly led to the school’s cafeteria flooding.  

Our parks also provide shady relief from the heat, lowering temperatures for the entire neighborhood. They provide vital ecological and social links that reconnect city residents and fragmented wildlife habitats to the natural world. 

Together with our community and city partners, and our generous donors, we are committed to creating more urban parks for what they give us today and how they improve our future.

Rose 

Rendering of planned playground at Brush Park in Mount Vernon, NY.

Three of New City Parks’ partner cities in New York State will now be able to build dynamic new destination playgrounds with the help of $5.5 M in major state funding.

Secured with NCP’s community outreach, design, and grant services, awards for the cities of Buffalo, Newburgh, and Mount Vernon were among the 89 grants announced by Governor Kathy Hochul yesterday through the New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) program.

“Playgrounds give children a place to be active, build friendships, and connect with the world around them. Through NY PLAYS, we are investing in communities across our state and creating more safe, accessible places where children of all abilities can get outside and play. These projects will give more New York families opportunities to put down their devices, spend time together, and build healthy habits that can last a lifetime,” said Governor Hochul.

If you happened to find yourself at Vera Ames Park in Paterson this summer, you probably met Ronald Joseph in his green shirt welcoming visitors to the park and interacting with the community. Ronald participated in NCP’s Community Park Ambassador program to serve as a regular presence in the newly revitalized park during its first summer season. 

From left to right: Circle of Care Rooted & Relaxed in Barbour Park, Street2Street Basketball Clinic in Vera Ames Park, Paterson Cares Bike Giveaway in Barbour Park

The ten recipients of NCP’s 2026 Stewardship Mini Grants have been keeping Paterson families busy all summer long with events in Vera Ames and Barbour Parks. From a bike giveaway to basketball clinics and community wellness events, this summer has been filled with play, learning, and connections in Paterson’s two newest parks.  

Free snow cones at Muture Sisters Community Wellness Restoration Day at Barbour Park.

October 3-Community Build Day for Eddie Williams Playground in Mount Vernon with partners Kaboom and Alexandra’s Playground. Sign up here.  

October 10-Guided tour of new trails at Peekskill Fun Day in Depew Park, Peekskill, NY.  

October 20-Ribbon Cutting for Westside Park in Paterson, NJ to celebrate the completion of the first phase of the 27-acre park.  

Our team continues to grow! As we expand our portfolio, we are adding staff capacity to ensure our projects move to completion as quickly as possible – for the sake of those living each day without a robust park.  

Elizabeth Evans recently joined NCP as our Capital Projects Fellow. With a background in law and project management, Elizabeth joins NCP to learn about the capital project management process and help support our team in all the cities we are working in to get these projects built efficiently and quickly!  

“I’ve always believed in the power of community and being outdoors, even before I knew about the body of research supporting this concept that connecting with nature and connecting with other humans can have a hugely positive impact on our health and happiness. And that’s sort of at the heart of NCP’s mission,” said Elizabeth.  

We’re excited to have her on the team!